Two PKR assemblymen have been sacked as directors of Penang state government companies apparently because they and three others from PKR abstained in a state assembly vote on an opposition-sponsored motion calling for a halt to land reclamation projects off the island.
The chief minister, Lim Guan Eng, was quoted as saying the two had “backstabbed us when they abstained from voting against the motion”. He also questioned whether they could function effectively and professionally as directors “especially when I am chairperson”.
The two are Ong Chin Wen, assemblyman for Bukit Tengah, and Cheah Kah Peng, the member for Kebun Bunga, Malaysiakini reported. Ong has confirmed receiving the termination letter but declined further comment but Cheah has yet to comment about the matter, according to the report.
Malaysiakini reported Lim as saying: “When you have clearly taken a decision and later reneged on it, what confidence would I have that you would not do that again to me? If this happens in any other company, your post will be immediately revoked”
Ong is also PKR’s whip in the state assembly. He was removed as director of Penang Invest, the state investment promotion agency, and from Island Golf Properties Bhd, a subsidiary company of Penang Development Corporation.
Cheah was dropped as a director of the Penang Hill Corporation.
The board of the three companies are chaired by the chief minister.
Lim was quoted as saying: “When you lose confidence in a person who agreed with you and then reneged on their agreement, how can they function effectively and professionally, especially when I am chairperson?”
He said members of the state government had agreed not to support the reclamation motion, filed by Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhammad Farid Saad of Umno. One DAP member, Teh Yee Cheu, assemblyman for Tanjung Bungah voted to support the motion.
Lim said the PKR five had “later backstabbed us when they abstained from voting against the motion,” according to the report. - FMT