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GEORGE TOWN – The DAP-led state government expects its Pakatan Harapan partners to support the Penang South Islands (PSI) massive reclamation project as PKR’s leadership here is being given the latest updates.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government has been providing almost daily updates to the PKR state leadership and backbenchers here about the project.
“Maybe the national leadership (of PKR) may not be aware of the latest news, but I am sure their state counterparts (here) know full well about it,” he told a press conference here today.
“The SRS (consortium overseeing the project) has also briefed every state executive councillor about the PSI project.”
He added that PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the party leadership were given a detailed briefing in Komtar, which was followed by a press conference.
Chow reiterated that Penang will not proceed with the PSI until it obtains its environment impact assessment approval from the Environment Department.
This came after PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli reportedly cautioned that a massive project like the PSI could affect the livelihoods of others and that the state has to balance the economic value.
Stressing that it was a personal opinion, he also said there was a need to move on from “brick-and-mortar” development.
Meanwhile, Chow said no political party is 100% ready for the general election as none has finalised their candidate lists.
He said it is unfair to accuse PH of not wanting an early election because it is unprepared.
“As far as preparations are concerned, we have activated our machinery and have begun getting the logistics ready as well as printed our election material.
“But of course we have yet to finalise our candidates list. This is usually ready days before nomination.”
The state DAP has finalised its interviews with prospective candidates, and will now focus on discussions with state and parliamentary incumbents.
“We expect a few leaders to opt for retirement. This is (however) not the time to mention who will retire.”
To this, Chow said that Penang DAP will discuss with the central leadership if the state will hold its election at the same time with the federal polls.
This comes after the Umno Supreme Council said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will present a suitable date to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament and pave the way for a general election to be held this year. – The Vibes, October 3, 2022
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