Jingles that jangle nerves in Penang
Athi VeeranganPublished: Sep 18, 2007 2:47 AM | Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM
Despite talking up the projected outcome of Penang's latest mega-projects, Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon has not impressed one of his main political opponents in the state.
Despite talking up the projected outcome of Penang's latest mega-projects, Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon has not impressed one of his main political opponents in the state.
Penang DAP secretary Danny Law Heng Kiang (photo) should work on delivering his promises to the people instead of engaging in publicity stunts to score political goals.
He accused Koh of attempting to mask his poor performance over the last 17 years by hyping up major projects in the pipeline - the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC), second Penang Bridge and entry of RapidPenang bus services among these.
"Instead of harping on election jingles to woo voters, the state government should convince the people that these projects will be delivered with the stipulated timeframe," Law said.
He also said Koh was trying to gain mileage from projects that will not start any time soon - for instance, the environmental impact assessment report for the second bridge is not even ready for public scrutiny.
"There is wide media coverage that the project will start in November - it's not going to happen," he claimed.
Similarly, the RM25 million PGCC project will only be completed in 15 years, while the RapidPenang services may not amount to the ultimate solution to public transportation problems.
Law suggested that RapidPenang was rushed to the scene to cover up the state government's incompetence in upgrading services over the past decade.
However, the government-linked operator was initially not well equipped logistically and financially when it started its Penang island operations from Aug 1.
"All these are election gimmicks to capture the imagination of voters. Koh should stop this and devote his energy to actual work," Law added.
The question also looms large as whether more buildings are necessary in Penang. For instance, the commercial-cum-residential PGCC will be built on the site of the sprawling Penang race course in Batu Gantong, George Town.
It is being marketed as an icon in the mould of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and as a catalyst for development in the upcoming Northern Corridor Economic Region launched last month.
The PGCC will take shape on a 104ha site that the developer, Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd - an associate company of Equine Capital Bhd - bought for RM488 million in 2002.
It will have two iconic towers, a performing arts centre, shopping outlets, a convention centre, condominiums and parks.
Related reports
'Patrick Badawi' denies political route to PGCC
Mega city project robs common green
Penang DAP secretary Danny Law Heng Kiang (photo) should work on delivering his promises to the people instead of engaging in publicity stunts to score political goals. He accused Koh of attempting to mask his poor performance over the last 17 years by hyping up major projects in the pipeline - the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC), second Penang Bridge and entry of RapidPenang bus services among these.
"Instead of harping on election jingles to woo voters, the state government should convince the people that these projects will be delivered with the stipulated timeframe," Law said.
He also said Koh was trying to gain mileage from projects that will not start any time soon - for instance, the environmental impact assessment report for the second bridge is not even ready for public scrutiny. "There is wide media coverage that the project will start in November - it's not going to happen," he claimed.
Similarly, the RM25 million PGCC project will only be completed in 15 years, while the RapidPenang services may not amount to the ultimate solution to public transportation problems.
Law suggested that RapidPenang was rushed to the scene to cover up the state government's incompetence in upgrading services over the past decade.
However, the government-linked operator was initially not well equipped logistically and financially when it started its Penang island operations from Aug 1.
"All these are election gimmicks to capture the imagination of voters. Koh should stop this and devote his energy to actual work," Law added.
The question also looms large as whether more buildings are necessary in Penang. For instance, the commercial-cum-residential PGCC will be built on the site of the sprawling Penang race course in Batu Gantong, George Town.
It is being marketed as an icon in the mould of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, and as a catalyst for development in the upcoming Northern Corridor Economic Region launched last month. The PGCC will take shape on a 104ha site that the developer, Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd - an associate company of Equine Capital Bhd - bought for RM488 million in 2002.
It will have two iconic towers, a performing arts centre, shopping outlets, a convention centre, condominiums and parks.
Related reports
'Patrick Badawi' denies political route to PGCC
Mega city project robs common green
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