Lim: Don't threaten Penangites

GEORGE TOWN: Caretaker Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's message to Penangites was a threat to the country's democratic system.
Expressing his displeasure against the caretaker Prime Minister's message to Penangites on Thursday, Lim said the statement could be construed as a threat, adding that it was unbecoming for a leader to issue such an ultimatum.
During a meet-the-people session in Balik Pulau yesterday, Najib said only with Barisan Nasional (BN) winning federal and state power will the people of Penang be assured a bright future.
He also told voters that they can expect to get "nothing", and continue to be hit by floods and other types of mismanagement issues if they support the Opposition.
"It is not only irresponsible but also deemed illegal and uncalled for," he said, referring to theSun's front-page report today which carried the headline "BN or 'nothing' for Penang".
Lim said voters have a right to vote for who they want to represent them.
"This is democracy," he added.
He also accused BN of sabotaging the state's proposals to alleviate traffic congestion.
Lim said the state government had to propose mega projects such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) linking the island to the mainland, the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) and the undersea tunnel to reduce traffic congestion
He said the ruling coalition did not offer any solutions to the traffic conditions in the state, but had instead sabotaged the state's plans.
Lim also criticised reports alleging that the state had increased water tariffs four times under the current leadership.
"This is again untrue as the price only increased once at 32 sen for now," he noted.