Tanjung MCA deputy chairman Lee Hack Teik, who is also a member of the organisation, said that the umbrella body for Chinese associations deserved some financial aid from the state government as it was a representative for the Chinese community in the state.

“The organisation is a symbolic body for the Chinese in Penang and the open house is also for the public. I don’t see why they do not deserve the allocation,” he said in a statement yesterday.

The organisation had appealed to the state government last week to provide them with a subsidy to organise the annual event on Jan 27 as the previous state government had always provided them with subsidies ranging from RM15,000 to RM20,000.

Lim had on Tuesday said guilds and associations would not get any state funding this year unless it is a social activity that generates investment returns for the state.

“I know the previous administration had given them tens and tens of thousands and this year they are getting nothing.

“I’m sorry – this is a tough year and I have to do my job even though it may upset some people,” he added, explaining why the Penang Chinese Town Hall’s request for funding was rejected.

- The Star -