Time for Penang to stop its political, economic and social decline in the past two years


Media Statement
by Lim Kit Siang
(Penang, Thursday):
Penang has been in a state of political, economic and social decline in the past two years since the April 1995 general elections.

The paralysis of Georgetown after a torrential storm yesterday, causing flash floods in various parts of the city, cripplying traffic, causing the closure of schools and a substantial number of workers reporting late for work, as well as creating sporadic power breakdowns, is the latest reminder to Penangites of the advanced state of urban decay in Penang and the serious decline in the quality of life in a state which was once its greatest attraction.

Penangites are very tired of promises, whether by state or municipal officials, claiming that such problems would be resolved in the distant future � which had in fact been made since the 80s and would continue unresolved into the next century.

Penangites should give serious consideration to the latest article in the Asiaweek under the heading "A STATE OF DECLINE - Penang once led Malaysia, but it has fallen behind. Where did it go wrong?"

The Asiaweek article in part reads:

The article referred to the classic case of Penang losing the Northern Regional International Airport to Kedah and how the people of Penang are still at a loss as how "a bird in hand" could have flown away as this was one of the promises of the Penang Chief Minister, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon in the last general elections.

The Asiaweek article continued:

Penangites are entitled to ask the Penang Chief Minister and the Penang State Government whether they agree with the former Penang Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Dr. Ibrahim Saad that Penang has come to a "plateau" in her growth, and will have to see other states and regions advance ahead of Penang � and that the only hope is in the future when a Penangite becomes Prime Minister.

The time has come for Penang to stop its political, economic and social decline in the past two years.

(4/9/97)


*Lim Kit Siang - Malaysian Parliamentary Opposition Leader, Democratic Action Party Secretary-General & Member of Parliament for Tanjong