Chia dismisses DAP leaders as 'tourists'

Atop a misty Penang Hill yesterday evening, incumbent Bukit Bendera MP Chia Kwang Chye told a crowd accustomed to out-of-towners that a few recent arrivals are now running for public office.

Referencing DAP candidates, Chia said, "If they come from Malacca or come from Kuala Lumpur to Penang Hill. Who are they? Tourists."

The Johor-native said that despite his three terms representing the Bukit Bendera constituency in Parliament, he never underestimates any opponent. In this election, he rates his chances of victory as ‘50-50’.

The Gerakan heavyweight faces DAP challenger Liew Chin Tong, an election strategy advisor to DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng. However, Chia said he regards the race as a ‘proxy fight’ since Lim will contest in the Air Putih state seat within the Bukit Bendera constituency.

"Their choice in Air Putih is not by chance. It’s a well-crafted strategy to create an effect that they hope to achieve," he said. "(But) Bukit Bendera wants people who are here to stay, not people who come and go and treat it like a political playground."

Given the presence of opposition leader Lim, DAP rising star Liew and the Gerakan MP once seen as a successor to chief minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon, the large island constituency is being closely watched in this election. Chia’s successful 1999 run against DAP luminary Lim Kit Siang also helped to elevate the seat’s profile.

Popular sentiment

Anchored by the Batu Ferringi beach belt, the area is known widely as a tourist destination. In recent years, however, data tracking travel to the area indicate the industry is flagging.

Citing Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) information that ranks Penang as only fifth in terms of investments for manufacturing by state, DAP candidates have charged the Penang government with mismanaging the state’s economy.

However, Chia said Penang has developed very successfully over the past 40 years, adding that the opposition will always find fault, "whatever you do, whatever you say."

"I think investment has more than doubled in the past 10 years. The ranking by Mida is only one of the factors. More important is to look at the growth rate. And also look at the quality of the investment. I believe higher value-added investments are coming," he said.

Recognising that prices for Malaysians are escalating, Chia said that prices rise because of global factors that are "beyond any government control."

The government’s responsibility is not to explain why prices have gone up but to soften the blow for citizens. By undertaking measures like stockpiling, the Malaysian government has done this, he said.

"How irresponsible can the opposition – DAP – be in playing to the popular sentiment of the people by announcing a payout of RM6,000 per household? If that’s the way the opposition manages its economy, Malaysia will be bankrupt in no time.

"This is a populist policy. Of course, when you oppose it, you become unpopular. This is the trap set by the DAP," he said.

Providing an alternative

For his part, Liew said DAP’s plan to give poorer families RM6,000 a year is not just populist rhetoric.

"If Singapore can do it, why can’t Malaysia? At least we provide an alternative – let’s put it to the test," he said.

The 31-year-old policy analyst said it is the ‘natural obligation’ of the opposition to provide views – often critical ones – on government actions and policies.

Gerakan’s attempts to paint DAP contenders as ‘outsiders’ is weak, Liew said, "Because they also migrated from elsewhere." He added that many Penangites move between states too.

Speaking at a ceramah last night that, despite foul weather, attracted upwards of 300 people, the first-time candidate challenged Chia to reveal how he spent RM5 million from his constituency development fund.

He also wants the incumbent to respond to DAP’s charges that a controversial development project – the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) – was approved without local support.

"The strategy of not responding is a rather cowardly one. I think Chia owes the electorate his time," he said.

Observing that Malaysians are keenly watching the US debates between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, Liew said people want to see a ‘vigorous debate’ about the future of the country.

If a neutral organization – such as a church or citizens’ group – invited both candidates to talk, Liew said he would be amenable to participating.

Despite the large crowds attending DAP ceramah, he is wary of reading this as a sign of potential success. In previous years, DAP has faltered at the ballot box despite high attendance at public rallies.

Still, Liew said he detects indicators that people are willing to vote for change in the upcoming polls.

For the first time, women are telling him they support DAP. Further, Liew said, in a constituency where 11 percent of the population is Indian, the ‘Indian wild card’ could play a crucial role.