PGCC project 'not even approved yet'
Beh Lih Yi Mar 12, 08 5:09pm
The multi-billion ringgit Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project cannot proceed because it has yet to be approved by local government agencies, despite having been announced with great fanfare last year.
Revealing this newly-minted Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said: “Not a single approval letter has been given to the developer by government authorities, whether the Penang Municipal Council or the land office.”“Unfortunately when Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched the project (last year), the impression was that approval had been given. The correct information has not been given (to the public).”In view of the situation, said Guan Eng, the developer cannot start any work at the site or sell the project.
“If you say Penangites have been misled, I also have been misled... The Penang Municipal Council has said it has never given any approval so I don’t think we can blame them for that. I would take it at face value,” he noted.
(picture courtesy of The Sun)Bouquet from developer
At a cost of RM25 billion, PGCC has been billed as the country’s largest private-sector development project. It is also the single-biggest component of the Northern Corridor Economic Region development plan, launched last August.The developer is Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd - an associate company of Equine Capital Bhd controlled by the premier’s ally, businessman Patrick Lim. Equine Capital holds 25 percent of Abad Naluri.
The developer had sent Guan Eng a bouquet yesterday, perked up with small DAP flags. It was the first to arrive at the CM’s office to congratulate Guan Eng on his “historic win” in the elections, according to the card attached.Guan Eng expressed surprise over the gesture: “We can’t stop people from sending us bouquets.
“Before the elections, when our representatives want to meet them for dialogues, it was very hard. This is definitely a departure from their previous attitude.”
My comments:
Politicians are known to have no permanent enemies or friends. I would add that businessmen are the most pragmatic as they have no enemies whatsoever. They can work with any government so long as they can carry out their projects.
Pak Lah was quick to warn Guan Eng not to stoke racial tension... when is this racial thing going to end? Please give him a chance to prove himself.
My wife already commented that a certain road and bridge project in Selama, Kedah is already affected by the withdrawal of federal support because of the change in government. The bridge will continue but the road will be left to the state's own devices.
I expect Penang will be affected too. But it would be nice to see if the new government can attract new investments and if necessary, able to finance its own administration with the expected withdrawal of federal aid.
2 comments:
UMNO is now already resorting to fear mongering along racial lines to spin, distort, and instill fear into Penangites. UMNO are indeed poor losers, and will stoop low to discredit the new few days old Penang State Govt, without giving them a benefit of a doubt.
UMNO Penang is already protesting to the BN Govt to stop all megaprojects which rightfully should be under their own cronies.
This gives the impression that UMNO is more for itself and not for the interest or good of the country.
As long as Umno chooses to behave like sore losers, there is nothing much we can do.
In a democracy, everyone is supposed to have freedom of speech and action.
The results of the elections have proven that all the three major races have voted mostly for the opposition.
In other words, overall, besides Indians deserting MIC, even Malays voted for the DAP while Chinese voted for PAS!
It is up to the BN coalition partners whether they still wish to continue thinking their race-based parties are still relevant. My view is that MCA, Gerakan, MIC and PPP were being rejected for their association with Umno, especially when they showed their impotence in the face of humiliation. If they still don't get it, we shall see in the next elections whether they can improve on their performance.
I really wish Penang under new administration can prove that they can attract big time investments and able to be self-reliant. I am sure many people believe a transparent and accountable government would save much by simply being more efficient, without corruption and leakages.
Unless federal government is intent on sabotaging, a successful Penang is an asset but a selfish federal government would be afraid of it being too successful as it would continue to be in opposition hands.
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