Speech
by DAP Penang and MP for Tanjung Chow Kon Yeow
on Wednesday, 29 May 2002
at the launching of PORR People’s Awareness Exhibition organised by DAP in
Penang
Penang Chief Minister is adamant that the Penang
Outer Ring Road (PORR) must go-ahead, not so much of its effectiveness in
resolving Penang’s traffic problem but because it promises a RM5 billion
return to the politically connected developer.
The
effectiveness of the PORR is now in doubt with the shocking revelation in the
Halcrow Report on Urban Transport Study that the nightmare of the one Penang
traffic congestion is likely to be back to square one in less than five years.
Chief
Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has not come out to refute the findings of the
Halcrow Report.
In
the findings of the Halcrow Report is true, Dr Koh would be irresponsible in
pushing the PORR through as this will not be a long-term solution to the traffic
congestion on the island.
This
is why there must be a total review of the PORR to ensure that it serves the
interest of Penangites and not the political well-connected company which stand
to make RM5 billion from the project.
Proponents
of the PORR should reconsider their support for the project
as the Government has been concealing important fact ( like the Halcrow
Report ) from their public scrutiny.
If
Penang Chinese Town Hall president Datuk Seri Lim Gait Tong is given the whole
fact of the PORR, he would not have made the call to Chinese associations to
support the PORR.
Likewise,
there are many Penangites who are oblivious of the impact of the PORR on
Penang’s future and the quality of life on this beautiful island because of
the lack of information.
The
PORR exhibition organised by Penang DAP therefore aims to create awareness among
the people that the whole population would be affected not just the 76
properties that have to be relocated.
Penangites
would be tolled for 30 years by the PORR and properties located next to the road
would be affected.
The Penang DAP therefore reiterates our call for a total review of the PORR which must include reviewing the following areas, privatisation of the project, the letter of intent to Peninsular Metro-Works, need for social impact assessment, cultural impact assessment, public inquiry of the new E.I.A. report, financial incentives to concessionaire and technical aspects.
DAP
to conduct
opinion poll
on PORR
The
Penang DAP is also launching an opinion poll today to enable more Penang people
to participate in the current discourse on PORR.
They
are asked to express their opinion on whether they agree toll :
(1) imposition of toll
(2)
should it be privatized
(3)
should developer granted exclusive right to reclaim 500 acres of land off
Gurney Drive
(4)
should State government grants six pieces of State land to developer
(5)
whether PORR would resolve traffic congestion problem in Penang and
(6)
whether they support the project.
Interested
Penangites could obtain the opinion poll forms from the Penang DAP HQ at No. 14,
Jalan Talipon, 10400 Penang. Tel : 04-2288482, Fax : 04-2288514