'Banner King' opens a 2008 can of worms
Susan LoonePublished: Nov 7, 2013 12:47 AM | Updated: Nov 7, 2013 3:35 AM
A well-known banner maker in Penang has claimed that his refusal to enter into a deal requested by a DAP member during the 2008 general election has led the local council to target his company.
A well-known banner maker in Penang has claimed that his refusal to enter into a deal requested by a DAP member during the 2008 general election has led the local council to target his company.
Although Banner King director Chan Boon Tong could not recall the name of the individual, who was an election candidate, he suggested that the person could be pulling the strings from behind the scene.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, he claimed that the DAP candidate had asked him to produce banners for the 2008 general election with a 30 percent mark-up on the price, which Chan said he declined.
Chan was livid over the Penang Municipal Council's (MPPP) decision to disclose his company's name to the press although enforcement officers had removed a number of his "illegal" banners in recent weeks.
"Is MPPP doing this to promote my company or do they want to spite me and make me close shop?
"Even when Bukit Aman makes an arrest, they won't let the public know his (suspect's) identity until the person is found guilty. So where is my human rights?" he asked.
Chan was apparently baffled that the local council continued to "find fault" with him as MPPP earlier had removed one of his billboards depicting Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
In that billboard, he had extended birthday greetings to Lim. Chan claimed that a DAP member had told him that he had "offended" the party with the birthday greeting, but did not elaborate.
However, the businessman admitted that he was wrong to put up the banners illegally - a day before approval from the local council.
Chan explained that he had applied for approval for the banners on Monday, but since Tuesday was a public holiday (Maal Hijrah), he could only obtain the permit to place his banners on Wednesday.
"But can't the council be more sensible? Must they violate my human rights just because of this?
"I am just a businessman and I am not anti-government, I would not have publicly talked about my grievances but this was the last straw," decried Chan.
'Council followed guidelines'
In a press conference to rebut Chan's claims yesterday, MPPP councillor Ong Ah Teong said the council followed the proper guidelines and procedures when it took action against Chan.
"We did it fairly without political consideration. We would act the same way with anyone who violated the rules, and this has nothing to do with the individual," he added.
Ong (left) said illegal banners depicting top state government leaders such as Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnon around Bayan Baru which did not comply with the council requirements were also taken down.
"We also mentioned the names of the persons behind the banner, so it is the same with Chan's company," he added.
He also revealed that the MPPP had forfeited the deposits of 19 companies which did not follow regulations when putting up banners since last year.
"So we are not victimising Chan," Ong added.
On the alleged kickbacks demanded by a DAP member for the election posters in 2008, Ong said Chan should be responsible about his allegations and provide evidence.
"Don't just play politics by making claims without proof," he said.
Furthermore, Ong said Chan's claims were "illogical" as DAP candidates for the general election footed their own campaign bills.
Although Banner King director Chan Boon Tong could not recall the name of the individual, who was an election candidate, he suggested that the person could be pulling the strings from behind the scene.
Speaking to Malaysiakini, he claimed that the DAP candidate had asked him to produce banners for the 2008 general election with a 30 percent mark-up on the price, which Chan said he declined.Chan was livid over the Penang Municipal Council's (MPPP) decision to disclose his company's name to the press although enforcement officers had removed a number of his "illegal" banners in recent weeks.
"Is MPPP doing this to promote my company or do they want to spite me and make me close shop?
"Even when Bukit Aman makes an arrest, they won't let the public know his (suspect's) identity until the person is found guilty. So where is my human rights?" he asked.
Chan was apparently baffled that the local council continued to "find fault" with him as MPPP earlier had removed one of his billboards depicting Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
In that billboard, he had extended birthday greetings to Lim. Chan claimed that a DAP member had told him that he had "offended" the party with the birthday greeting, but did not elaborate.
However, the businessman admitted that he was wrong to put up the banners illegally - a day before approval from the local council.
Chan explained that he had applied for approval for the banners on Monday, but since Tuesday was a public holiday (Maal Hijrah), he could only obtain the permit to place his banners on Wednesday.
"But can't the council be more sensible? Must they violate my human rights just because of this?
"I am just a businessman and I am not anti-government, I would not have publicly talked about my grievances but this was the last straw," decried Chan.
'Council followed guidelines'
In a press conference to rebut Chan's claims yesterday, MPPP councillor Ong Ah Teong said the council followed the proper guidelines and procedures when it took action against Chan.
"We did it fairly without political consideration. We would act the same way with anyone who violated the rules, and this has nothing to do with the individual," he added.Ong (left) said illegal banners depicting top state government leaders such as Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnon around Bayan Baru which did not comply with the council requirements were also taken down.
"We also mentioned the names of the persons behind the banner, so it is the same with Chan's company," he added.
He also revealed that the MPPP had forfeited the deposits of 19 companies which did not follow regulations when putting up banners since last year.
"So we are not victimising Chan," Ong added.
On the alleged kickbacks demanded by a DAP member for the election posters in 2008, Ong said Chan should be responsible about his allegations and provide evidence.
"Don't just play politics by making claims without proof," he said.
Furthermore, Ong said Chan's claims were "illogical" as DAP candidates for the general election footed their own campaign bills.
View Comments0