11 June 2019
Press statement by MCA Penang State Liaison Committee Chairman cum MCA Vice President Datuk Tan Teik Cheng
CM Chow Kon Yeow, Airport go or no go?
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow is being avoidant in responding to the reports of proposals for new airports in Penang, together with his ambiguous stand on the construction of Kulim International Airport (KXP), his attitude in governance causes public confusion and dismay.
According to The Star 10 June 2019), there are currently 2 companies proposing to construct a new Penang International Airport (PIA) in South Seberang Perai at 2 different locations. If the proposal of one company, NMIA is approved, the existing PIA will be closed as the plot of land it occupies will be exchanged as part of the deal for the new airport. Yet, when Chief Minister Chow was asked to comment on this issue, he claimed to be unaware of the proposals, refusing to answer directly.
Be it the KXP or the PIA, the Penang state government has always been befuddled in their stand on new airports; in this case, whether to expand the existing Bayan Lepas PIA, or close it down and turn to constructing a new airport in South Perai? Or just shut down the Bayan Lepas airport to make way for the proposed KXP? Chief Minister Chow’s response has always been foggy, causing people to be confused on Penang’s actual stand on this subject matter.
Besides that, in the case of Kulim Airport, from March up till now, the Penang state government has been lukewarm on the issue, refusing to make a firm decision to stand for the PIA, and draft plans to protest against the KXP. This sluggish attitude is appalling and causes great disappointment.
A state government should make a firm stand when fighting for the state’s welfare and development; as a Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow’s ignorant attitude will only cause Penang locals to further lose faith in the governance and leadership of the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the state government must stand out and clarify: Will the Kulim International Airport be built? Will the Penang International Airport be closed down?
Datuk Tan Teik Cheng
MCA Penang State Liaison Committee Chairman
MCA Vice President
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