THE Penang government has called on the Federal Government to promote power sharing that is fair and just.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (PH-Padang Kota) said Penang has often been sidelined for the past 11 years by the previous Federal Government.
“Penang had only received RM216 million or 3.18% of the total Federal allocation to all states in 2016.
“In the spirit of Malaysia Baru, many issues have to be relook and reviewed to promote power sharing that is just and fair between the Federal and state.
“It is crucial for an effective long-term development of Penang,” Chow said in his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly in Dewan Sri Pinang today.
Chow said: “The Federal Government must discard the perception that Penang is a rich and developed state that need not be helped.”
“We hope to get the support of the Federal Government.
“The Penang government is not going against the Federal Government. We are only upholding our rights in the spirit of Malaysia Baru,” Chow said.
He also mentioned that the Finance Ministry was currently identifying the departments and agencies that would be located at the first Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Penang.
“The UTC in Komtar will be operating from 8am to 5pm, seven days a week.”
Chow said the Penang government was aware of the role of social media in delivering news to the community.
“Batu Lancang assemblyman (Ong Ah Teong) has proposed that the state launches unity and tolerance campaigns to through the social media.
“The Information Department, National Unity and Integration Department and other relevant departments have indeed organised activities and campaigns that promote unity.
“The state Information Unit has also actively runs campaigns that promotes unity and tolerance.
“The unit promotes unity through its articles, videos and competitions, in line with the Penang2030 vision,” Chow said.
On transportation, Chow said that the state strived to achieve a development that is inclusive and balance.
“We will ensure that the guidelines are considered and followed before a certain project begins.
“I would like to reiterate that the state needs the proposed Pan Island Link 1 (PIL1) highway project to divert and reduce traffic congestion in Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway and Jalan Masjid Negeri.
“The Department of Environment (DoE) has approved, with conditions, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the proposed PIL1 project. The EIA report was approved with 56 conditions.
“The Penang government will display the 56 conditions imposed before the construction starts, in the spirit of Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT) and as a monitoring process in the Environmental Management Plan (EMP),” he said.
Chow thanked the Federal Government for approving the plan to expand and upgrade the Penang International Airport (PIA).
“We will further discuss the matter with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and the Transport Ministry to reach an agreement to expand the airport’s capacity from 6.5 million passengers per year to 12 million passengers per year.
“The Penang government has also decided to appoint a private consultant to conduct a feasibility study on a proposed Northern Corridor International Airport project,” Chow said.
Chow added that the Penang Port Commission (PPC) was working together with the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) operator Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) to come out with a plan to widen the cruise terminal.
“The Penang government has approved a 30 year lease of 15,993sq m of land to PPC for the expansion of the cruise terminal.
“The widening of the terminal would enable two huge cruise vessels to dock at any one time. The state is still in discussion with the relevant parties concerning the upgrading plan and development concept of the terminal,” he said.
On the state’s election manifesto, Chow said the state government would ensure that the state delivers the 68 promises.
“According to the record, 43 promises have been fulfilled, 11 are being worked on, 10 are in the planning process, while four are still awaiting approvals from the Federal Government,” Chow said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting and Alissala Thian
Video by Chan Kok Kuan