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Media Statement
by Ng Wei Aik  
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(Penang, Tuesday) : Penang state government under the leadership of Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon must fully abide by the State Executive Council ruling that the tenure of municipal councillor must not exceed four consecutive terms and not to reappoint Ahmad Ismail as councillor for Majlis Perbandaran Pulau Pinang (MPPP).

In the swearing-in ceremony of MPPJ councillors yesterday, the vacant left by Ahmad Ismail still unfilled in by anyone from UMNO. It creates suspicion among the public that Ahmad Ismail might be reappointed from time to time.

It is reported that Ahmad Ismail is trying to persuade the Prime Minister and also the Chairman of UMNO Penang Liaison Committee Chairman Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for giving him a chance to be reappointed as the municipal councillor.

According to the decision made by UMNO, the tenure of municipal councillor either for MPPP or Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai (MPSP) should not exceed two terms; and according to the ruling by the Penang State Exco, the tenure should not exceed four terms.

Should Ahmad Ismail be reappointed as the MPPJ Councillor for the fifth term, then it will undermine the authority of Penang state government under the leadership of Koh Tsu Koon.

The track record has proven that Ahmad Ismail was not performed well during his previous terms and his attendance in various meetings is quite poor if comparing to other colleagues.

If so, then Koh Tsu Koon should dare enough to reject the candidacy of UMNO unless he is someone other than Ahmad Ismail pending the endorsement by Penang State Exco.

(16/1/2007)