Follow our 11 demands and you have our vote - fishermen





GEORGE TOWN, April 29 (Bernama) -- The fishermen of Paramount, Gurney Drive, Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah-Teluk Bahang have made 11 demands to future assemblymen and parliamentarians.

Their spokesman, Syahifah Hawa Zamzuri said the demands involved the recognition of the fishermen's area in Tanjung Tokong and Tanjung Bungah as heritage village; prepare a master plan for coastal fishermen; review and improve the approval of fishing licence as well as review the environmental impact for Sri Tanjung Pinang (STP) 1, STP2 and Gurney Wharf.

The other demands were that all developments in the area must be based on fishermen's inspirations; rejection of any new reclamation; state must find alternative ways to generate economy instead of 'reclaim and sell' land and monitor illegal fishing activities.

In addition, strategic planning for coastal fishing community, conservation and preservation of mangrove area that was destroyed due to reclamation activities as well as an action committee to monitor all environmental issues were the other demands listed by the fishermen.

"For any aspiring politician able to fulfil the demands that we make today, we will vote that party in the coming general election," Syahifah, 29, told a media conference and forum today.

Gurney Drive, Paramount and Tanjung Tokong fall under the Pulau Tikus state seat, while Tanjong Bunga falls under the Tanjong Bunga state seat.

Both the seats fall under the Bukit Bendera parliament. All these seats were won by DAP since the 12th General Election (GE12) in 2008 where the state government had changed hands.

State Barisan Nasional (BN) chief, Teng Chang Yeow who will be contesting the Tanjong Bunga state seat said the demands made by the fishermen were reasonable and could be fulfilled if the coalition wrested Penang from the opposition.

Teng was accompanied by Jason Loo Jieh Sheng who will be contesting the Pulau Tikus state seat. Other candidates and representatives were present during the press conference.

-- BERNAMA