NGO to address the nexus of business and politics in Penang
The alliance for Governance, Integrity, Accountability and Transparency (Giat) has spread its wings to Penang, to work with NGOs and civil societies.
They also want to offer the current Penang government assistance in addressing the sometimes dangerous nexus of business and politics in the state...
The alliance for Governance, Integrity, Accountability and Transparency (Giat) has spread its wings to Penang, to work with NGOs and civil societies.
They also want to offer the current Penang government assistance in addressing the sometimes dangerous nexus of business and politics in the state.
Giat spokesperson Cynthia Gabriel (above) said the alliance is also active in Perak, Selangor and Johor.
"We were previously focused on the federal government, but have decided to shift some of our attention to the states as well," she told Malaysiakini.
"States are plagued with their own issues - from socio-economy to human rights - and we must work with local stakeholders to highlight these," added Cynthia who is also the executive director of graft watchdog Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4).
Giat came to this decision after a workshop organised by the United Nations Development Fund in Penang on Sunday.
Giat is represented by Transparency International, Petaling Jaya Residents Association, C4, Society for the Promotion of Human Rights and the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs.
Cynthia said the meeting identified the root threat of the problem that states face, especially the close nexus between business and politics and the emphasis on profits, rather than people.
"The group felt it was incredibly important to band together and work on initiatives that have a clear impact on dismantling the nexus and ensuring development that is sustainable and places public rights first," she said.
The plight of fisherfolk who will be impacted by the proposed Penang South Reclamation and the ongoing oppression of the Orang Asli community due to logging and deforestation in Kelantan were also discussed at the workshop.
Cynthia said mega-projects like the undersea tunnel, reclamation and transport master plan have raised more questions about their economic and environmental viability and sustainable development.
During the weekend, Giat met with fisherfolk and NGOs like Penang Forum that are at the frontlines of protests against the reclamation project.
Spanning 1,820ha, the master plan involves the creation of three artificial islands, which will be partly sold to cover the costs of the state's ambitious RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan.
"We plan to offer our help to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow in addressing the issues.
"I think it is unfair for Chow to face oversights which may have been committed by his predecessors, so we stand ready to assist the state on how best to cover them," she added.
However, Chow has said the state would only engage with the fisherfolk and residents who will be impacted by the projects, and not with NGOs.
The state's task force handling the matter, headed by executive councillor Dr Afif Bahardin, is working out a compensation package for those affected by the projects.
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