GEORGE TOWN: A Gerakan leader today censured Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng(Pic) over his apparent haste to implement a massive infrastructure project, saying he could be displaying a symptom of egomania.
Lim had let his popularity go to his head, said Wong Mun Hoe, vice chairman of Penang Gerakan.
He was commenting on the state’s decision to proceed with the RM8 billion project and Lim’s recent statement that he would interpret Pakatan Rakyat’s victory in the coming election as public approval of that decision.
The project covers a tunnel connecting Penang island with the mainland, two new highways, and a 12-km road linking Tanjung Bungah to the tourism belt of Batu Ferengghi and Teluk Bahang.
“One may see that Lim is at the peak of his popularity—something all politicians crave,” Wong said.
“However, I think this has inflated his ego. I think he has already made up his mind that this project must go through.
“What is unnerving is that we are not even sure if the project will indeed clear traffic congestion.”
Wong claimed that Lim’s administration did not follow what he called “due process” in awarding the contract to a China-Malaysia consortium. He said the state did not table a proposal in the state assembly, did not consult all stakeholders and did not wait for the official adoption of the Penang Transport Master Plan.
Civic groups have warned that the new roads might invite more vehicles into Penang and threaten efforts to conserve the natural environment.
The timing of Lim’s announcement of the award raised a suspicion that he had planned to use the project as an election campaign point.
Lim followed up his announcement with a consultation with several members of the Penang Forum, a prominent local NGO. Several objections to the project were raised during the session, prompting him to remark that he would leave the project’s fate in the hands of voters.
