A FORMER PKR deputy secretary-general has called on the DAP-led Penang government to consider appointing Penang PKR liaison chairman Nurul Izzah Anwar to a strategic role here to help drive balanced development in the state.
S. Raveentharan made the call following the recent announcement from PKR that Nurul Izzah was being retained to head the state.
Although Nurul Izzah failed to defend her Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat here, Raveentharan said that she is young and has the drive and determination to contribute effectively.
“We should not just look at the inclusion of Nurul Izzah from the lenses of cronyism or nepotism but judge her based on her own strengths and abilities to contribute to Penang.
“We should tap on her talents and also her ability to bring about a greater synergy between PKR and DAP in governing Penang. The ruling Pakatan Harapan (PH) also needs to hold more coalition-level meetings here to improve their compatibility.”
Penang has always been a frontline state in terms of sociopolitical issues, so the inclusion of Nurul Izzah in decision-making processes should be encouraged, especially in areas involving environmental safeguards, said Raveentharan.
He said that there is a clamouring for more input to be given to the state government in view of recent issues which had rattled the administration.
From water supply woes to question marks over what reclamation does to the state, as well as the controversy surrounding the unveiling of the Gurney Bay recreational park to the mammoth traffic congestion, Nurul Izzah can offer fresh insights into offering solutions for Penang, said Raveentharan.
He said Penang needs meaningful development and more infrastructure to meet the inflow of tourists, investors, civil servants and workers, but at the same time, there is an important clarion call to protect the ecology.
The ongoing heat wave is a firm reminder that more needs to be done to reduce the carbon emission footprint and having more vehicles coming over to the tiny island is certainly not going to help fight climate change, he added.
Raveentharan also said that DAP and PKR together with Amanah can foster better unity ties in governing Penang, so they can also influence their Barisan Nasional partner to contribute more towards a balanced growth of the state.
“We want the Madani unity concept to be embraced in practice, not just on paper only.
“Speaking from the perspective of the residents here, I can safely say that there is an equal emphasis on the need to develop but also on preservation and conservation in the ecology, heritage, natural resources, culture and arts,” Raveentharan said.
He said that Nurul Izzah has been at the forefront of championing balanced development so including her in the state’s matters, would be a boost for PH.
Raveentharan also said that there is a need for more Malay leadership to be present in Penang to counter the Malay-centric opposition led by PAS and Bersatu here. – The Vibes, February 28, 2024.
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