Press Statement
by DAP Penang chairman and MP for Tanjung Chow Kon Yeow
on Monday, 3.6.2002
in Penang
The Penang DAP today welcomes the Works Minister Datuk Seri Samy Vellu's directive to the Malaysian Highway Authority to realign the Penang Outer Ring Road to avoid acquiring houses and graves.
However, we also demand that the Works Minister also consider a total review of
the effectiveness of the PORR in solving traffic problem; the privatization of
the project to Peninsular Metro-Works.
We are disappointed that the Government has still not consider whether the PORR
could be effective in resolving the traffic problem.
Datuk Seri Samy Vellu should have another look at the Halcrow Report on Public
Transportation in Penang Island before brushing aside objection on the need of
the PORR.
Even if the Federal Government is adamant about implementing the PORR, they should first consider financing it as a Federal project under the Eight Malaysia Plan.
If the Works Ministry could finance the RM500 Seremban Middle Ring Road and also
allocate RM1 billion to Kedah State Government to implement the Sungei Petani Outer ring Road and other road projects, there is no reason why Penang should be treated as a step-son ?
The Federal Government should also consider the widespread objection against the imposition of toll for the PORR.
Finally, we want Datuk Seri Samy Vellu to give a assurance that the concessionary agreement would not be signed until a full review of the PORR is done.