From FMT:
Kulim airport to punish Chinese-majority Penang, says deputy CM
PETALING JAYA: The Penang state government has renewed its protest against a proposed international airport in neighbouring Kedah, saying the move is to undermine Penang’s economic success which the previous “Malay-dominated” Barisan Nasional government considered an “eyesore”.
“There have been numerous attempts in the past six decades or so by those in power to reduce the significance of Penang’s attraction in the northern region,” said Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy, who said the Penang airport in Bayan Lepas was far ahead of airports in Kedah and Perak.
“There is no logical reason for a new airport in Kulim other than to punish Penang for its success,” he said, in comments reflecting the state government’s continued misgivings over the proposal for a new airport in Kulim.
Putrajaya recently told the state it should not feel threatened by the RM1.6 billion Kulim airport, saying its construction would be privately financed.
The state had earlier cited studies showing that Penang would stand to lose if the Kulim airport was built.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said last week that even a cargo-only facility in Kulim would have a negative impact on the Penang International Airport.
Ramasamy said Penang had been targeted by the previous government due to its “odd” racial composition and achievements in urban development and commercialisation.
“The need for a major development project such as an airport in Kedah or in the northern region must be viewed in a broader historical context of race relations and the desire on the part of the Malay-dominated BN to steer development and growth away from Penang,” he said.
The idea for an airport in Kulim was promoted by Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir.
But Ramasamy asked if the present airports in Alor Setar and Langkawi have been utilised to the extent that a third airport would be required in Kedah.
He also questioned Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s support for the project.
“Even if the proposed airport is the preference of Mahathir, as with all projects there is need for a feasibility study that includes social impact assessment, traffic impact assessment and environmental impact assessment, among others,” he added.
“I believe that those in Putrajaya have failed to understand the sentiments of the people in Penang on the airport matter. They cannot assume that what is good for the federal government might not necessarily be good for Penang state government.”
Dangerous for Ramasamy to play race politics like this, if he really said it in such words. It is as ugly as anything UMNO spews out.
ReplyDeleteMukhriz is trying to steer some big projects to Kedah. If the Kulim Airport proposal is a mistaken one, it should be countered with facts , not racial politics.
then y u punish chinese minority kulim?
ReplyDeleteRama need not fret. Competition is GOOD. Competition will bring the best out of Penangites.
ReplyDeleteWas Tony Fernandez afraid of MAS, the government-backed-guaranteed-fail-safe-never-can-die-airline ? Heck no. He beat the hell out of MAS.
Many cities have multiple airports located nearby. London has at least 3, Tokyo also 3, Singapore has Changi and Seletar, heck even KL has KLIA and Subang.
But you may say Penang is not the same size as London or Tokyo, so cannot compare. But neither is Bayan Lepas airport anywhere as big as Heathrow, Narita, Changi or KLIA.
Everybody said the old Air Asia Low Cost terminal LCCT would die, but no, they outgrew beyond all expectations, then KLIA2 had to be built and now KLIA2 handles more passengers than KLIA1.
Bayan Lepas has a head-start, Kulim airport will take 5 years to build and Guanee already approved a huge budget for expansion. The Penang folk (Chinese or otherwise) have thrived in the face of adversity before eg when it lost its free-port status, when Penang was in Pakatan hands in 2008-2018 or when the microchip MNCs started moving out to cheaper locations, so again Penang can thrive even prosper, with or without a new airport in Kulim. As your favourite son Datuk Lee Chong Wei has said: "If you believe....you can". Ha ha enough pep talk.
That's all stupid politiking by PH politicians throwing brickbats and causing dissatisfaction among various parties/supporters and the voters/public who voted in the PH coalition as the Federal/State Govt.
ReplyDeleteAnd what is supposed to be the outcome achieved?
Penang politicians looked upon as heroes in the eyes of Penang voters in stopping the building of the Kulim airport or Kedahan voters feel cheated/economically deprived by their Kedahan politicians by caving in to Penang's demands?
The question should be asked is whether another airport in Kulim will benefit the economy and the people living there whether it be in Kedah or Penang.
Why not have a solution whereby the economy and benefits of having the Kulim airport benefits both Kedah and Penang instead of making it look like one side will ultimately only benefit?
Get the Federal Govt. to give Penang back the Free Port status and with the expanded business and trade, Kulim airport will then be a blessing to also Penang which has limited land to expand and cater for trade and commerce.
Isn't that a better solution for everyone whether living in Penang or Kedah?