DAP Reps Criticised For Not Attending Dialogue On Floods, Landslides




GEORGE TOWN, Oct 29 (Bernama) --Penang Opposition leader Datuk Jahara Hamid today hit out at DAP elected representative in the state for not attending a dialogue to discuss the flood and landslide problems in the state.

She said only a few representatives from the DAP-led state government attended the dialogue , which was organised by Penang Forum.

"I appreciate the efforts by Penang Forum for making an analysis, compiling the date and disseminating information on the issues to the Penang people, as well as looking for ways to resolve the problems.

"However, the people who are supposed to find solutions for the problems raised are not present today," she told reporters after the dialogue session.

Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey was the only DAP elected representative present at the dialogue which was attended by 200 guests.

Among Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders present were Pulau Betong assemblyman Datuk Muhamad Farid Saad, Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Shah Headen Ayoob and Penang BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow, while the representatives from PKR were Penanti assemblyman Dr Norlela Ariffin, Machang Bubok assemblyman Lee Khai Loon and Bayan Baru Member of Parliament Sim Tze Tzin.

"The state government needs to look at issues such as development, enforcement, workers' problems as a whole. It is not possible to view such issue as a worksite accident as many factors contributed to it and requires serious commitment from the authorities and the state government," she said.

She said this in response to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's reaction on the recent landslide tragedy in Tanjung Bungah,, viewing it as a worksite accident.

The landslide that occurred at the construction site in Tanjung Bungah here on Saturday killed 11 workers.

Earlier in the dialogue session, Jahara said as an opposition leader, she would submit a motion at the State Legislative Assembly for the state government to stop all hillside development projects.

Meanwhile, Norlela said both BN and Pakatan should work together to find solutions to solve the problems and hoped the next state assembly sitting would be a platform for both parties to work together to address the issue.

Yap, on the other hand, said flash floods that hit Penang on Sept 15 was due to the unprecedented heavy rainfall.

-- BERNAMA