GEORGE TOWN: All is not well in the Penang government's competency, accountability and transparency (CAT) policy if Dr Norlela Ariffin is now seen as the state's public enemy number one.
People's Alternative Party (PAP) vice-president Rahmad Isahak said Norlela, who brought to light the illegal carbon filter factory in Sungai Lembu issue, which had resulted in numerous problems to the villagers there, should be praised and looked upon by the administration as a fine example of a brave elected representative.
"However, if she is now seen as a liability to her party, PKR, and the Penang government for championing the people's plight, then there is something not right in the administration's CAT policy.
"As far as we are concerned, Norlela has created a history of sorts in terms of dignity and integrity when she dared to speak up and defend her people," he said.
Norlela had told the New Straits Times recently that she was looked upon as a "criminal" for bringing forward her people's problem, which subsequently led to the arrest of state Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Norlela and her family had also received all sorts of threats thereafter.
Rahmad said, going by the code of ethics as a responsible elected representative to the people, Norlela had fulfilled all the criteria.
"She was brave enough to speak up and criticise any wrongdoing and weaknesses which do not benefit her people, knowing fully well that she may earn the wrath later," he added.
Last Thursday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and other government agencies raided the factory after numerous report against its operations fell on deaf ears.
Phee was arrested the next day after giving his statement to the graft buster to facilitate investigations into the illegal factory.
Also arrested was the factory's 70-year-old manager and his 37-year-old son, a director.
Meanwhile, Rahmad expressed hope that the MACC would continue to investigate the matter, and other factories operating illegally in the state.
He had told a press conference yesterday that there were about 200 such factories in the state.