DAP wants 'A Dynamic Penang For All'

Dead set on denying the BN a two-thirds majority, Penang DAP unveiled its vision in an eight-point state manifesto today.

Titled ‘A Dynamic Penang For All,’ the declaration called for a rejection of Umno’s dominance, the promotion of a stakeholders’ economy and the end of development projects like the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) that the party said benefit only a few companies.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng condemned the local government for refusing to listen to the concerns of Penang residents, especially on issues of local services and development projects. In particular, Lim criticised the approval of the RM35 million PGCC by saying it does not comply with planning rules and is not included in a long-term development plan.

"This shows the government has no respect for the rule of law," he said.

"That is why the Penang DAP says the PGCC is done on the directive of the federal government, against the wishes of the local population. And the people of Penang are left out, the people of Penang have no say and have no voice on developments activities in their own locality.

"When we talk about dynamic Penang, it must be for all – for everyone – not for one or two companies or individuals," Lim said.

Recognizing that the next re-drawing of constituencies will be in 2010, the manifesto also zeroed in on denying BN the seats it needs to amend the State Constitution and increase its state seat allocations.

To create a stakeholders’ economy, DAP state chairperson Chow Kon Yeow said the party advocates a requirement that all companies with government contracts above RM10 million would have to contribute part of their profits.

Consistent with national manifesto

The manifesto also supports rejuvenating tourism and service industries and upgrading development agencies to stimulate foreign direct investment.

"We require investments that create high-paying jobs, not creating jobs just for the sake of creating jobs," Lim said.

Consistent with the party’s national manifesto, the state DAP demands a reduction in crime, the eradication of discrimination, improvements in education and the protection of human rights.

"Let us move forward based on these eight points...to make sure that Penang has a voice and has a say in what is happening to them," Lim said.

Pressed to explain why the party puts forth state and national manifestos despite the reality that it will lose, the secretary-general said: "A political party must have an alternative."

"Can we win power? Even if we win all the 47 parliamentary seats? We can’t. We have only a decent shot at denying BN its two-thirds majority," he said.

Even though the party realizes it won’t win this election, Lim said the political struggle takes place over a long period.

"We have our vision, our own programmes for nation-building and we think the government should respond to our challenge," he said.