Be clear on action against illegal structures, Guan Eng tells BN

GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional (BN) has been told to state clearly whether they will demolish all illegal structures and hawkers in Penang if the coalition is to return to power following the 14th General Elections.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said his political opponents should do so in their manifesto for the coming national polls.
He said this provided a contrast to his administration which would not take action against such structures built before 2008.
"We try to resolve it amicably either by legitimising it or relocation, unless the illegal structures block traffic or disturb the public.
"Let the people decide who is right and trustworthy and who has no shame," he said in a statement.
Lim also brushed aside criticism that his position as chief minister was becoming too powerful as he chairs many government agencies.
He questioned why Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said it was time to separate the Chief Minister from state agencies.
He said it was the previous BN government which had enacted legislation that these state agencies, like the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), were to be chaired by the Chief Minister.
"Why is it ok for other BN Mentri Besar and Chief Ministers to chair the state agencies but not for Penang?," he asked.
Lim also dismissed talk that Penang will lose investments if the people continue to support a Pakatan Harapan (PH) government.
He pointed out the state has recorded strong investment growth of 73% in the manufacturing sector from 2008 to 2016 of RM59 billion under PH compared to RM34 billion for the 1999 to 2007 period under BN.
"New job opportunities increased by 15% to 139,133 from 2008 to 2016 compared to 121,511 jobs between 1999 and 2007," he added.