GEORGE TOWN – Penang will defer the tabling of its state budget to after the 15th general election.
This follows the state's decision to postpone its state elections to another date so it can be better prepared to face the northeast monsoon season, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He told a press conference that the original date for the budget fell during next month’s state assembly sittings, but the budget will now not be tabled even though the assembly will proceed for a few days.
“We want to give the state officials involved in helping the Election Commission room to prepare, so it is best we will table the budget after the elections.”
Chow said that he will discuss the matter during the state executive councillors’ meeting today.
The assembly sitting slated on November 4 will still be conducted, but only for the question-and-answer session before it is adjourned to a suitable date.
Chow also said that Penang is ready for the parliamentary elections, dismissing Umno’s criticism that it should not use the floods as an excuse as a mere political ploy.
“We are preparing for the floods. The reports are there to indicate it may happen. It is also God’s will if the floods will be major this time.”
The point is to be better prepared than previous years, because the floods are more constant and severe now due to climate change, he added.
Chow also rebutted Penang Umno liaison chairman Datuk Seri Musa Sheikh Fadzil’s assertion that Pakatan Harapan (PH) should sit out the elections if they are concerned about floods, saying that PH has a duty to prevent abusive parties from dominating the state.
“Our duty is to ensure that Barisan Nasional does not return to power in Penang, as it is proven that this coalition is incapable of leading due to the rampant corruption they are associated with.”
Chow also said he hopes PH wins the federal government soon, so the state will be in a better position to conduct the state elections sometime next year. – The Vibes, October 18, 2022
