Story by Chan Lilian
THERE has been a huge uproar, especially on social media, by various NGOs over the culling of strays in Penang to stop the spread of rabies.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was asked by members of the press if the decision to cull stray dogs will cause a loss in popularity.
“If they want to bash, then bash. However, I wonder why the NGOs only hit out at Penang and not Kedah and Perlis which also culled stray dogs. I take it seriously the public duty as the government and the Penang state exco members too consider it a real threat,” Lim replied.
”Even though it is a painful decision, there is little choice when it comes to public health. If these NGOs cannot understand why I put public health above all, then, I do not need to answer them. Government and public health just doesn’t work that way. My priority is to protect the 1.6 million Penangites and their pet dogs. If the NGOs think the stray dogs are more important, then what can I do?” Lim added.
When asked if he is worried that this may cause him to lose popularity, Lim said: “I am willing to face the repercussions of losing popularity. I will still do my duty as a public official to protect humans and pet dogs. Humans have a higher chance of getting bitten when their pet dogs are infected.
“My main concern is to provide a firewall to protect these pet dogs from getting infected with rabies. I am an elected Chief Minister and must carry out my duties to protect the people. This is not a popularity contest. I am accountable to all voters. I listen to the professionals and expert advice and when they convinced me the threat of rabies infection is real, I had to issue the order.”
Lim had described some of the NGOs as being clouded by anger and emotions.
“If I have to pay the price, I am still not going to abdicate my public duty. We are willing to make tough and unpopular decisions for the benefit of the good of all,” he concluded.
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