GEORGE TOWN – Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has hit back at his former deputy chief minister P. Ramasamy for seeking to restructure Penang Development Corporation (PDC) on grounds it was not in tune with the state’s aspirations.
Chow said that it was Ramasamy’s task to execute such moves when he was the deputy chief minister for four terms.
“Ramasamy was entrusted to oversee the human resources development element of PDC and the state.
“He could have done it when he was here (in government),” said Chow after opening the state think tank Penang Institute’s south wing building here.
In conjunction with the new wing, the public think tank has launched a forum for leadership and governance (FLAG) initiative.
There would also be FLAG papers published under the supervision of its editorial committee, headed by Deputy International Trade and Investments Minister Liew Chin Tong, assisted by former PDC general manager Datuk Chet Singh and marine specialist Prof Datuk Zulfigar Yasin of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
When responding to criticism wielded by Ramasamy, which came in the context of the land controversy deal between PDC and Umech Land Sdn Bhd, which has since been rescinded by the PDC board on grounds of irregularities, Chow said that his former comrade could have played a role when he was in government but chose not to.
Ramasamy, in questioning PDC’s role in the deal, had suggested that it is also time to revamp the development arm to make it relevant to the current needs in Penang.
On another matter, Chow said that the state has decided to wait for Umech to reply to its decision to terminate the project and issue a fresh request for proposal to jointly develop the Batu Kawan Industrial Park II project.
The RFP may generate a better deal for PDC and its prospective partner, said Chow.
“We will leave it to the company to decide. We cannot preempt their actions.
“PDC will communicate the board’s decision to the company in accordance with the agreement. We will wait,” said Chow.
Earlier, Chow said that Penang believes in the motto of Penang Leads – hence, it is often looking to improve on its leadership modules and standing.
He praised the institute for expanding its building here, saying that the think tank can help produce more outstanding research and findings in relation to leadership skills. – The Vibes, October 17, 2023
