GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is now seen as more efficient and calm under the leadership of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who took office after the 14th General Election (GE14).
Universiti Sains Malaysia’s political analyst Associate Professor Dr P. Sivamurugan said the moderate and subtle approach by Chow could make Penang a more competitive state in the country.
“I expect Penang to do much better after this. With his personality, we can expect a better process of negotiation, approval and improvement on relationship between the state government and the Federal Government.
“I can see that Penang will grab more opportunity in terms of investment to make sure it becomes a more progressive state under the leadership of Chow,” he said when contacted by NSTP today.
Sivamurugan, however, reminded Chow to also re-look at the Pakatan Harapan (PH)’s manifesto, especially on past pledges made to the people in Penang.
For example, he said that the coalition had promised to abolish the Sungai Nyior toll since 2008, which was still being questioned by the people as PH is now governing the Federal Government.
“Chow should refer to the old promises so that it will not be a burden for him. For a start, people may understand, but on his part, he has to re-look at those old promises so that his legacy will not be forgotten,” he added.
The Sungai Nyior toll issue first came to light when former Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng promised that the toll would be abolished if the coalition won the GE12.
However, the toll, which was opened on Feb 21, 2007, is still operating with RM1.50 for cars, a hike from RM0.50 when it started.
Meanwhile, Sivamurugan also said that Chow would try to push for the implementation of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) as promised in the PH manifesto of 68 promises in GE14.
He said that Chow’s administration was focused on a number of agendas which have been postponed and also on negotiations involving the PTMP.
“Chow wants a more systematic transport system in Penang. That is the reason why he is giving extra attention on PTMP compared to other pledges.
“However, as faced by the previous administration, Chow is expected to face a strong protest from environmental activists who are against the project,” he added.
Last April, Penang PH launched its state manifesto themed ‘I Love Penang” with 68 pledges for the GE14.
The pledges included limiting the Chief Ministership to just two terms, implementing the PTMP, and financial aid to women earning less than RM2,000 per month.
PH also promised to build 75,361 low cost, low-medium cost and affordable homes by 2025.
