Pages

34 percent toll hike for Penang bridge by UMNO @ BN govwenment

GEORGETOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has rebuked Barisan Nasional leaders who skipped yesterday’s meeting to discuss a joint effort to oppose the Federal Government’s decision to raise toll rates on the Penang Bridge.

He accused them of cowardice and lack of concern for public welfare.

Referring to Penang Umno chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MCA vice president Dr Ng Yen Yen and Gerakan President Koh Tsu Koon, he said: “The BN reps are only brave with the media but they have no guts to oppose the Federal Government on the toll issue. It proves that they are two-faced.

“They were officially invited. Their lack of interest just proves that BN leaders don’t care about the discomfort and burden placed on the people here.

“They should have given the issue priority because it involves the people.”

The federal government has proposed to raise the toll rate for cars from RM7 to RM9.40.

Lim said his government would continue to oppose the 34 percent hike because it would burden Penang’s 1.5 million citizens, many of whom were commuters using the bridge.

“We are firm on our stand,” he said. “As a caring government, we cannot allow our citizens to be further burdened with the excessive toll increase.”

Yesterday, Lim waited 30 minutes at his office for the BN leaders.

In his invitation, he told them it was important that they set aside political differences and focus on lessening the public’s burdens.

FMT
05/07/10

No comments:

Post a Comment