Penang is known as the Pearl of the Orient, often praised as the exemplary state driven by meritocracy rather than nepotism. However it seems like Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s honeymoon period is over.
The past few weeks have highlighted his weaknesses on various issues ranging from souring political relations to disregarding the livelihood of Penangites. People are no longer gushing over Penang’s competent, accountable and transparent (CAT) administration under Lim.
Tension is brewing between DAP and PKR and Lim’s double standard in governance is becoming more apparent as the days go by. The “CAT” is out of the bag, the livelihood of Penangites is at risk.
Penang was recently rocked by the land reclamation issue that led to the resignation of Tanjung Bungah assemblyman, Teh Yee Cheu. He had been censured after casting a vote of conscience to protect the environment.
This is an issue that has fallen on deaf ears many times prior to the recent debacle.
The administration had previously approved one of the largest land reclamation projects the country has seen (over 1000 acres). Yet, the Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) report for the massive project was conducted by a third party appointed by the project proponent, creating doubts over the report’s credibility.
More recently, the DAP-led administration initiated the Penang LRT project that would involve the reclamation of 1,618 ha of land. While the idea behind the large-scale development project is good, the check and balance process leaves much to be desired.
This is not the first time that Lim Guan Eng has put the livelihood of Penangites at risk. Does anyone still remember Penang’s Jinko Solar issue? It was swept under the carpet quietly as the country fussed over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad issue.
The opening of the world’s biggest photovoltaic plant in May was curiously carried out without any ceremony. It is unlike Lim who would usually beat the drums and gongs when something big like this arrives.
The plant in Prai has caused grave concerns. It is operated by Jinko Solar Technology – the controversial solar power manufacturer that was banned in China over malpractices.
In September 2011, some 500 protesters stormed into the plant and ransacked its offices for three days when the Jinko Solar plant in Haining, China was blamed for having been responsible for the deaths of a large number of fishes and pigs as well as 31 cases of cancer after a nearby river was polluted with fluoride.
The river contained 10 times the acceptable level of fluoride and it was later revealed that the plant has been failing pollution tests since April that year! The fact that this was ignored by Jinko Solar’s management until they were forced to face the problem becomes a worry for residents here. The company exudes neither confidence nor accountability.
Lim’s vision to have a cleaner, greener, safer and healthier Penang should not involve having a solar plant that puts the lives of Penangites in danger. The positioning of a photovoltaic plant near the sea presents a real concern about the hazardous effects it might have.
Former Batu Kawan MP, Huan Cheng Guan, has pointed out: “Some kinds of photovoltaic panels contain cadmium, which is an extremely toxic metal. In the form of cadmium telluride, it is a stable non-metallic substance but insoluble in water.”
The reactor will also be cleaned using sulphur hexafluoride, a potent greenhouse gas which reacts with silicon to create other compounds. This not only poses health risks but also water contamination which would have adverse effects on Penangites, especially the fishing community.
You cried foul when Lynas rare earth first opened their facility in Pahang and cited concerns over how it would affect the livelihood of residents. Yet, when you are questioned on the Jinko Solar plant, you dismiss such questions as “a waste of your time.”
When a motion was brought up to improve the environmental assessment of Penang’s development projects, it was rejected by the DAP-led state assembly.
These concerns are not a waste of your time, Mr Lim. You are accountable to the rakyat.
In the past two general elections, many voted for Pakatan Rakyat in the hopes of better governance, especially in Penang. Yet, at a time when your authority is challenged and questioned, you dismiss the concerns of your voters.
Suddenly Penang’s competency, accountability and transparency goes missing. Suddenly Penang no longer represents the hope and vision the rakyat.
Maybe it is time to stop believing the sweet promises of the Opposition.