Press Statement by Cheong Yin Fan in Georgetown on Sunday, 8 November 2009:

The only approvals granted for reclamation or hill development projects were by the previous BN state government

The Penang Chief Minister’s Office regrets certain misleading reports of government approvals granted on large tracts of land reclamation and hill development projects by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. Such falsoe press reports by pro-BN and UMNO-controlled media is calculated to cause maximum damage and undermine public confidence, the integrity and credibility of the Pakatan Rakyat administration.

The Penang state government appreciates the valid concerns expressed by Penangnites who are confused by these false allegations from BN. Amongst the issues raised are existing hill slope projects approved by the previous BN state government which the present PR state government can not simply cancel for fear of incurring hundreds of millions of ringgit in compensation that Penangnites can not afford.

There have been no approvals granted on any major land reclamation or hill development projects by either the state government or Lim Guan Eng. The only approvals granted for reclamation or hill development projects were by the previous BN state government. It is ironical that amongst those making these allegations are BN leaders that had themselves approved these projects in the past without public consultation. It is wrong to pin the blame on the PR state government.

There have been proposals for development from various quarters. However proposals can not be equated with approvals. Any approvals made must fulfill the aspirations of a people-centric government transforming Penang into an international city with world-class facilities and support services and a thriving magnet for the best human talent.

Before any approvals are signed, the state government will observe the principles of CAT (Competency, Accountability and Transparency) governance and obtain public consultation. BN had approved numerous major hillslope projects and PR not even one. BN had not consulted the public whilst PR had regularly consulted the public. There is no corruption in PR state government whilst there are hidden monetary costs in the BN state government. This is the difference between a people-centric government of PR and the crony government of BN.

As Lim Guan Eng is away overseas in Bahrain and Iran on an investment mission to seek new markets for our investments and tourism, he will address these queries upon his return or at the coming Penang state Assembly meeting on 30.11.2009.

* Cheong Yin Fan, Press Secretary To The Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng