Loke schools Guan Eng on party discipline after 'highly inappropriate' spat with Penang CM

DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke today rebuked his party adviser Lim Guan Eng over the latter's continued criticism of his successor, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

In a statement issued today, Loke (above) said the DAP leadership is "deeply concerned and disturbed" by the ongoing public dispute between the former Penang chief minister and Chow, regarding the new land tax rates in Penang.

He said that he would also be arranging a meeting between the two men to resolve their ongoing issues amicably.

Loke described the public spat as an unhealthy and inappropriate way to settle internal differences on public policy matters, noting that it came at a particularly sensitive time amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

He also labelled Lim's approach as "highly inappropriate."

"Lim, as a former secretary-general of DAP and former Penang chief minister, should fully appreciate the importance of party discipline.

"Any disagreements, especially from backbenchers on state government decisions, should be addressed through established internal mechanisms rather than aired publicly. Differences of opinion should not be expressed in a manner that undermines our own chief minister and the state government," Loke added.

‘Take concerns seriously’

He stressed that despite Lim's inappropriate conduct, Chow, as chief minister, should still take the concerns seriously because they touch on public interest and reflect the grievances of various stakeholders.

Loke said that while there is a need to review land tax rates in commercial zones to ensure the financial sustainability of the Penang government, the approach must be balanced, responsive, and considerate.

"In particular, land tax involving educational institutions such as public schools should not be increased excessively, and a nominal rate should be applied. This public spat must come to an end, and party discipline must be upheld at all times.

"Our focus must remain on serving the people and safeguarding the public interest. Party leaders must refrain from public bickering and instead work together constructively in the best interests of the rakyat," he added.

Malaysiakini has contacted Lim for comment and is awaiting a reply.

Land tax feud

In a statement yesterday, Lim, who is Bagan MP, claimed that many Penang voters would not have supported Chow if they had known the Madani government’s 2023 state election manifesto allowed drastic increases in land tax rates.

He said he was surprised by Chow’s recent remarks that an election manifesto does not prevent the state government from introducing new initiatives or policies if they are deemed necessary for the state’s economic stability and well-being.

He further criticised Chow’s attempt to compare the land tax hike with the proposed Penang International Financial Centre (PIFC), which was likewise not mentioned in the manifesto, but pursued due to changing economic demands.

READ MORE: Penang announces increase in land tax starting Jan 1 next year

In justifying his attack against Chow, Lim highlighted cases in Batu Kawan - Chow’s parliamentary constituency - including a village in Juru where land tax for a house purportedly rose from RM12 to over RM34,000, and another landowner who claimed to be under severe financial pressure due to the revised rates.

Lim said his office had received numerous complaints from residents struggling with the higher land tax burden.

Previously, Lim urged Chow to go to the ground to see for himself the effect of the new land tax on the general population. In response, Chow denied being out of touch with the concerns of people in Penang.

According to a report by The Star, Chow said he has continuously engaged with residents across all districts in the state, particularly through the Jelajah Ramadan programme.

He was also reported to have said that the authorities have already resolved more than 500 out of over 2,000 land tax-related cases.

In a short statement yesterday responding to Lim's criticism, Chow said the focus of the Penang government presently is to allow landowners to appeal.

“Each case will be reviewed, and results will be made known.

“The state government has already announced seven concessions last week,” he said in a one-paragraph statement to the media.

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