Penang gov't told to look on bright side of cable car fund cancellation
Now sitting on the state opposition bench, Seberang Jaya assemblyperson Dr Afif Bahardin has advised the Penang government not to be suspicious over the cancellation of a RM100 million fund to develop a cable car system in the state.
"I wish the state government would not be skeptical and prejudicial that this decision is a form of punishment to the people of Penang," Afif said in a statement.
Now sitting on the state opposition bench, Seberang Jaya assemblyperson Dr Afif Bahardin has advised the Penang government not to be suspicious over the cancellation of a RM100 million fund to develop a cable car system in the state.
"I wish the state government would not be skeptical and prejudicial that this decision is a form of punishment to the people of Penang," Afif said in a statement.
"In fact, it is an opportunity for the state government to reevaluate the state's development agenda which will enable the people to prosper," added the former state executive councillor.
Afif was dropped from the state government block after a Pakatan Harapan council decision. He has been relegated to the state opposition block after being suspended from his ex-party PKR.
He was responding to chief minister Chow Kon Yeow's remark of being "extremely disappointed" that Putrajaya cancelled the allocation which was announced during the tabling of Budget 2020 last year.
Chow said the decision to cancel the funds was a form of punishment for the people.
Local activists have hailed the cancellation, saying they never supported the project as it was not environmentally sustainable nor a priority for Penang.
Afif (photo) said Chow should look at the decision of the federal government from a positive perspective.
He said in the wake of the economic downturn following the Covid-19 pandemic, the federal government has tried to juggle planned development projects.
"Focus should definitely be given to efforts for national economic regeneration programs and the well-being of the people," said Afif, who was former PKR national youth deputy chief.
"I think the state government should give the Ministry of Finance a counter-proposal to plan the implementation of a skills training program or program that aims to restore the economic level of the majority of the people of Penang," he added.
He suggested that funds for mega-projects be channeled to infrastructure development such as road construction in Seberang Perai.
"Such projects not only provide convenience to the people of Penang but at the same time assists local contractors in the development sector," he said.
"The state government must recognise that as a state facing post-Covid-19 challenges, not only do people need to change their lifestyles in the 'new normal' but also state development projects need to focus on who can bring benefits to every citizen of the country," he added.
Meanwhile, Pengkalan Kota assemblyperson Daniel Gooi said the cancellation was done inappropriately as the matter should have been discussed in parliament.
In a statement today, Gooi (photo) said the fund cancellation was made by the sole discretion of the federal government and was not discussed in parliament, where it was first announced last year.
He said it is important for the federal government to negotiate with the state government or agencies involved, instead of cancelling the fund without allowing debate.
"I'm sure Dr Afif remembers when the federal government was led by Barisan Nasional, Penang was often overlooked for any provision and development initiative," Gooi said.
"Dr Afif was one of the leaders in the fight against the Barisan Nasional regime, which is now part of the federal government, especially on issues related to his portfolio when he held the state exco post," Gooi recalled.
He expressed concern that with the abolition of funds for the development of Penang Hill, the state is returning to the dark era of 2008-18 when Penang leaders felt the state was treated as a "step-child" by BN-led Putrajaya.
"This is in stark contrast to the Pakatan Harapan federal government's administration that adopted an open and unmistakable development throughout the country, including states led by the opposition party at the time," Gooi said.
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