‘Re-examine environment preservation policies’

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Forum wants all quarters to understand that its outburst against the state government was not just about the landslide in Tanjung Bungah, but on a need to address a flawed policy on environment preservation.

The criticism was weighed similarly against the previous state government, and it is up to the politicians to digest it in a constructive manner, said the forum’s leading advocate Dr Lim Mah Hui.

Penang Forum’s clarion call has always been about safeguarding the environment, and on whether the tiny island has the capacity to sustain wanton development, said Lim.

The former economist and academic urged the state government to re-examine its policies on the environment to prevent recurrences of disasters.

On another point, Lim said that the state could have waited on the outcome of the court appeal from the Sungai Ara Residents’ Association, who is challenging a hillslope project from progressing on the grounds that it had exceeded the 76m limit.

The project there is apparently defined as a special status project.

Once the court verdict is known; then the state should review whether a proposed moratorium should be introduced for all hillslope projects, he said.

“I think they went ahead too early to discuss it, and settled that the moratorium was not needed because the present guidelines were adequate.”

Lim also urged the state commission of inquiry into the landslide tragedy to be given a wider scope to review state policies on hillslope development.

Meanwhile, state executive councillor Chong Eng said a state leader must be able to see things from all perspectives.

“We cannot just see from one point of view. We need a whole picture to gauge what is best for Penang.

“And for the majority, development is needed as we need to progress,” Chong said. – by Ian McIntyre