One of the owners of the Line Clear Nasi Kandar restaurant, Abdul Hamid Seeni Pakir, said through his lawyer Rosli Ismail that he welcomed discussions with three others who claim the right to the business premises.

He said the services of middlemen from the Muslim League would be used if all parties agreed to hold talks to resolve the crisis.
                                        
“We are ready to discuss and give some time to the Muslim League to resolve the problems that have existed for decades, and it cannot be completed within 14 days.

“The actions of the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) to close the premises if they fail to solve the problem is not an appropriate action. If there is strong evidence of the claimant, then bring it,” he told reporters at a press conference held at the restaurant in George Town yesterday .

Rosli said his client would also pay compensation to the 12 family members who have an interest, including claimants’ rights on the premises, during the discussions held.

“Each family member gets a high compensation payment each month. The payment has been made since Abdul Hamid took over the management of the restaurant from 1990 until now.

“So is it right for the son of the founder of this restaurant not to be issued a licence to do business?” he said, explaining that he had submitted more than 10 letters to the council to explain the situation as well as applying for the business licence.

Earlier on June 2, MPPP licensing department director Azman Sirun issued instructions to vacate the premises within 14 days if the four partners of the restaurant failed to resolve the problems between them.

He said the evacuation of the premises was to reorganise hawking activities in accordance with the by-laws that have been enacted by the council.

- Bernama