Press statement by DAP Penang chairman and MP for Tanjong Chow Kon Yeow
On Thursday, 1 March 2007
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Dr Koh Tsu Koon is once again guilty of selling out Penang State’s rights
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The announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi that the Federal government will be coming to operate the State’s public bus system through RapidPenang has created much excitement.

The DAP welcomes the news as the public bus system in Penang especially on the island is most deplorable and any new initiative is most welcomed by the public.

But very few people realized that companies belonging to Pak Lah’s son and son-in-law would stand to gain the most with the advent of RapidPenang into Penang’s public bus system.

However the DAP is most unhappy that the Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had once again surrender State’s rights to the Federal government.

Under the Local Government Act, the State Government-controlled local councils are empowered to run and maintain public transport services.

By inviting RapidPenang to come into Penang, the Chief Minister had abdicated the State Government’s social responsibility in providing public bus services.

In the past, the State Government had control over the supply of electricity, water and sewerages services, tourism and other services provided for under the above Act.

But over the years, the State government has surrendered such powers to the Federal government.

It is a disgrace for Tsu Koon to surrender such rights to the Federal government. What is most shocking is that the State government has taken several actions to operate a new bus system in the State.

A bill was approved in the Penang State Assembly late last year for the purpose of accepting a RM 50 million Federal loan to operate the new bus company. A CEO has even been appointed to manage the new company.

But why the sudden change of heart? Once again the reason could be found in Tsu Koon’s submission to Umno’s political and economical hegemony when running the affairs of the State.

Tsu Koon has once again sold out the State rights to Umno!