Gerakan: Is Penang still Putrajaya's stepchild?
Gerakan leaders have questioned if Penang is fast becoming a "stepchild" of Pakatan Harapan - a label the DAP-led Penang government often used to describe itself in relation to federal support when BN was in the federal government...
Gerakan leaders have questioned if Penang is fast becoming a "stepchild" of Pakatan Harapan - a label the DAP-led Penang government often used to describe itself in relation to federal support when BN was in the federal government.
Gerakan vice-president Baljit Singh (photo, above) said Penang has been complaining that it is a stepchild, which wasn't true as the state continued to receive support from the then BN-led federal government despite being an opposition-led state.
"However, it looks like Penang has now truly been downgraded to being a stepchild, although its father rules the federal government," Baljit told Malaysiakini.
"Minister of Economic Affairs Azmin Ali's announcement may be shocking to some, but I believe it has a political agenda since the Rantau by-election is around the corner.
"After losing two by-elections, Pakatan cannot afford to lose another. But must Penangites be the scapegoat?" he asked.
Baljit was referring to Azmin's announcement in Parliament yesterday that the government has approved the construction of the Kulim International Airport, which would cost RM1.6 billion.
Putrajaya has also approved the development plan for manufacturing industries and a logistics hub in Sidam, near Kulim, which would cost RM300 million.
The announcement included seven mega-projects costing over RM3 billion for Kedah for development in the state, including seven major plans and a special grant of RM1.132 billion for the Kedah government to promote 51 new development plans and to continue with 201 ongoing projects.
Returning to the 'glory days'
Baljit said it is "senseless" to build an airport in Kulim, which is only 40 minutes away from Penang, adding that the funds could be better used for upgrading schools and hospitals.
He expressed deep disappointment that Penang is being left out of the economic pie when Harapan took over the reins of Putrajaya.
He asked if this was what Azmin meant by saying, in the wake of Harapan's loss in Semenyih, that Harapan must fulfil the "bumiputera agenda without apology".
"We will not argue that all segments of the society, including the bumiputeras, must have their due, but why sideline Penang?" Baljit asked.
"It looks like the Harapan government in Penang can no longer protect the interests of Penangites as we see our opportunities being slowly eroded by the powers that be," he said.
Baljit urged Putrajaya to show a federal plan that can restore Penang to its glorious days when foreign direct investment was strong and there was less unemployment in the state.
"As far as we see now, federal resources will be slowly and eventually chipped away and deprived from Penang so that Pakatan can keep its diminishing supporters in order to stay in power.
"So, Chief Minister Chow, what say you? Is this your legacy? To see Penang being truly the stepchild it says it is?" Baljit asked.
Penang Airport 'in jeopardy'
Meanwhile, Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong said the latest development shows that DAP is not in power.
"But what about Penang led by DAP? Penang is the base of DAP, while Lim Guan Eng is the former chief minister and the current finance minister.
"But from 509 (May 9, 2018) to today, Kedah has received big gifts, one after another. The latest is Kulim International Airport, but Penang has nothing!" Oh said.
"Once the Kulim International Airport is implemented, the status of Penang International Airport will be in jeopardy.
"Whether the Kulim airport will be a freight airport or a passenger airport, it will weaken the competitiveness of Penang," Oh added.
Oh said DAP does not only have 42 seats in Parliament, but it also holds many ministerial portfolios.
However, DAP cannot protect Penang's interests, and seems to have sold off the interest of Penangites, he claimed.
"Penang is the second-highest tax-paying state in Malaysia and the Penang people have been supporting Pakatan Harapan for three consecutive general elections.
"But they do not receive any allocation from the federal government. Is this fair to Penang people?" he asked.
Oh also asked if the minister of economic affairs is more powerful than the minister of transport.
He pointed out that just last week, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government has yet to decide on the Kulim International Airport.
"But this week it has suddenly been approved. What is going on?" Oh asked.
He also recalled that Lim had repeatedly said that he wants to expand the Penang Airport, and would build a low-cost carrier terminal in Penang.
"But finally, it is only much cry and little done! I want to ask DAP and the finance minister whether they dare not fight for more development benefits for the Penang people?
"The Penang people have not paid taxes? Why is DAP still silent on the Kulim airport?" Oh asked.
"It is unacceptable that Kedah has a population of only two million, but has three airports, namely Langkawi Airport, Alor Setar Airport, and now the planned Kulim International Airport," Oh said.
"The position of Kulim Airport is Northern Region International Airport, beyond the Penang International Airport. Therefore, Penang will be marginalised, sooner or later," he added.
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