Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi has turned his guns on Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) chairperson Patahiyah Ismail for not keeping up with the state government's standards of competence, accountability and transparency (CAT).

Ooi said this when revealing the alleged negligence of the council’s top officials who have failed to carry out enforcement work properly.

He questioned how traders are expected to comply with the council’s rules and regulations when it does not adhere to the same standards on its own premises or land.

NONEThe MP expressed disappointment with the complacent attitude of several council department heads, especially those who allow developers to go ahead with projects before approvals are given.

“The council should suspend the negligent officers and investigate their alleged wrongdoings in a domestic inquiry,” Ooi told a press conference yesterday.

He was referring to a horse-riding sports club operator who has allegedly violated the council’s regulations by erecting permanent structures on state land at the MPPP park before obtaining approval.

Based on official records, Ooi pointed out that a condition had been imposed on the operator to provide the application for approval for the building to the MPPP.

“But when I asked the council chief, she admitted that no prior approval had been given for the building,” said Ooi.

“The operator of the club must obtain the approval for the building to ensure public safety of those who are participating in the sport. We must issue a firm condition to all operators so that they will uphold the CAT principles and obey state laws."

NONEWhen contacted, Patahiyah tried to keep out of the controversy.

“I am not a politician,” she said, adding that she will look at Ooi’s statement before commenting on the issue.

When pressed and told about the allegations Ooi had levelled against her, Patahiyah merely said, “Let him say whatever he wants”.

“To me this is not a serious issue. I will comment after reading his statement.”


'Demolish illegal structures'

Ooi also urged the council to demolish the ‘illegal’ structures erected by the club, run by Al-Khamsa, just as was done with telecommunication towers built without approval.

According to the council’s rules and regulations, those who violate the laws can be penalised with a hefty fine.

For example, a rental agreement with the state to use a particular plot of land may be terminated if an operator or a developer violates any rules and regulations.

“The council chief must support and strongly uphold the CAT principles which are so fervently implemented by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng,” said Ooi.

“I am very disappointed that the council chief has not monitored the quality of work by her heads of departments in an effective manner.

“I had to intervene before this matter becomes an issue for the opposition (and) undermine(s) the good image of the state government."

He urged Patahiyah to suspend her public services director Mohamad Ismail Ibrahim so that an internal investigation can be launched immediately on the case.

The site of the horse riding club falls under Mohamad Ismail’s purview.

Ooi said he wants the director to be suspended because, on Aug 11 last year, Mohamad Ismail had issued an approval letter to Al-Khamsa to run sports activities for nine years.

The activities are only allowed to be conducted within the specified two acres of land, he added.

But as the site was not fenced up as it should be, it is uncertain whether the club has misused more than the two acres, he added.