GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who had previously given a verbal assurance to the residents of Sungai Ara that a hillslope development project for the area would not proceed, is now seen as flip-flopping over the issue by saying that they have to respect the court’s decision.
The residents are now worried because if the court’s decision favours the developer and the project is on, it could be a threat to their safety.
“No government can defy a decision made by the court,” Lim told reporters when asked about the fate of the Sungai Ara residents if the court ruled in favour of the developer.
Lim had previously been asked by the residents to give an assurance in writing to cancel the project after he was said to have twice verbally assured them last year that he would do so.
“As far as we are concerned, we have kept our promise as we have not given any approval. But we have to respect the court’s decision.
“Whether you like it or not, you have to respect the court’s decision. I cannot comment on the court. We have to respect the law,” he said when met after he handed over government cars to the state secretary.
On the suggestion by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin that Barisan Nasional candidates for the general election should go for a medical check-up, Lim said that it could be a consideration.
The handing-over of the government cars yesterday followed the recent dissolution of the Penang State Legislative Assembly, whereby the state executive councillors were encouraged to use their own cars for unofficial duties. — Bernama