Between 1990 and 1995, the Barisan Nasional state government was kept constantly on its toes because of a strong DAP representation in the Penang State Assembly.
However, in 1995, the DAP was virtually wiped out completely. Have the people of Penang been properly rewarded for giving the Barisan Nasional 32 out of the 33 state assembly seats in the 1995 general election?
The answer must be a loud "no". The Barisan Nasional state government of Penang has failed to enhance the quality of life of the people of Penang in the past five years.
Early in the 90s, the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad warned that Penang, instead of being the "Pearl of the Orient", had become the "Rubbish Dump of the Orient".
Today, Penang has become the "Mega Rubbish Dump of the Orient", with a standard of cleanliness which is worse than before - but Mahathir had shown no concern because the DAP is not strong anymore.
Penang has also become the "Venice of the East", with Georgetown transformed into a watery city whenever there is a short downpour!
The next election is the occasion for the people of Penang to express their disappointment at the failure of the Penang State Government and the two municipal governments to enhance the quality of life in the state and to demand better governance and greater accountability in the next five years.
(12/11/99)