Barely a week into her new job, the Penang Island City Council's first woman mayor Patahiyah Ismail has ruffled the feathers of some members of the media.

 

The Chinese language media accused her of "ignoring the press, remaining silent and avoiding" queries on a public objection – a 1,000 signature petition – to a high density project in Tanjung Bungah, in the northern corridor of the island.

 

Social activist Anil Netto ( left ) described the project as "Komtaresque", referring to the tall and dull looking building in the heart of George Town, which houses the state administrative offices including that of Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

 

The residents, backed by DAP Tanjung Bungah assemblyperson Teh Yee Cheu, last Saturday expressed concern that the two tower building - one with 49 floors, the other 34 - developed by Boon Siew Group will increase the density of the area from 15 units per acre (the limit allowed by the Penang Structure Plan 2007) to 49 units per acre.

 

Patahiyah explained during a press conference yesterday that she did not answer the query because she was not prepared at the time.

 

"Sometimes I do not have the facts when the press ask me questions, especially when I am attending an event," Patahiyah said.

 

Last Sunday, when Patahiyah was queried about the project developed by Boon Siew Group, she was on Beach Street with the organisers of the weekly car-free day event.

 

"It would be difficult for me to give immediate answers during those times, I would always prefer the press to ask about the event," she explained.

 

But all that is about to change with her decision to hold two monthly press conferences where she would be "armed with facts and data" to answer queries from the press.

 

The move came after Patahiyah's boss - state executive council member on local government affairs Chow Kon Yeow ( left ) - suggested that she could have more frequent sessions with the press.

 

Patahiyah then gave her assurance that during such sessions, she would answer all queries from the press as best she could.

 

"However, if we still need more facts, we will answer you the next day," she said.

 

‘Nothing to hide’

 

When told the press cannot wait for a fortnight for the MBPP's answers, Patahiyah said the relevant information can usually be obtained from the respective department heads.

 

Asked if the department heads would be willing to answer truthfully, Patahiyah said, "They have to speak the truth.

 

"If they do not tell the truth, action will be taken. There is nothing to hide if they have the information."

 

Patahiyah was not pleased when told of claims that some department heads referred the press to her instead of providing the information themselves.

 

"It seems like an attempt to discredit me," she quipped.

 

"Usually the mayor has to check with department heads for data, and not the other way around.

 

"But sometimes, delay occurs when the department heads need to obtain permission to release certain data."

 

‘Time needed to check facts’

 

Patahiyah admitted that last Sunday she was unprepared to provide answers to the press on the development project in Tanjung Bungah.

 

She was aware that the press was also disappointed when they failed to obtain the information from her the following day.

 

"The press has to understand that it is a very big project and I had to check with the relevant departments for the details," she lamented.

 

"When I asked what the reporter wanted to know, she told me the details. She already knew practically everything about the project," Patahiyah said.

 

"The reporter merely wanted confirmation and in sessions like this (proper press conferences), I will be ready with the answers," she added.

 

She said she also wanted to forge better ties with the press, saying, "We would like you to be our eyes and ears."

 

However, she reminded the press that the city council staff would often be the first ones to attend to any problem, including disasters and floods.

 

"We may have achieved city status but our job remains the same and what more, we have to live up to more expectations from the people," she added.

 

The Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) was awarded city status by the Yang di Pertuan Agong, effective Jan 1.

 

Other than a change of name from MPPP to MBPP (Majlis Bandaran Pulau Pinang), an additional four departments and increase of staff, there is no other difference between the two entities.