KUALA LUMPUR: Unscrupulous development in Penang which contributed to the recent severe floods is a signal for Barisan Nasional to ramp up its efforts to retake the state in the 14th general election.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the DAP-led state government’s failure to dole out a tactful physical development plan was compounded by its ignorance towards the advice issued by Department of Environment on the dangers of hillside projects in particular.
“They were far from prioritising nature and environment to ensure that Penang is managed well in a long run. They blasted us by saying that it is not because of the levelling of hills, or development.
“It rained for 17-hours and if the development was planned well, it would not have flooded,” Zahid said in his speech to open Gerakan’s 46th National Delegation Conference today.
He also described the floods as another “sign from God” to end DAP’s nine-year reign in the state.
“God has shown his wrath to those who boasted that Penang is supposedly free from floods. What had happened is a signal from God that this is the best time for us to regain the Penang state government.
“Yes, we had lost Penang for nine years. But our loss is only temporary. We will wrest back Penang. It is not impossible and this can happen. I ask that Gerakan strengthen their machinery and Umno is ready to assist,” Zahid said.
He pointed out BN had always been fair to its rivals and would render aid in times of difficulty.
“Did we take advantage of what had happened and assisted the flood victims because of politics? Not everything can be politicised.”
Zahid added that the federal government was colour blind and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had even gone to Penang to visit flood victims although it was a DAP-led state.
“Based on humanitarian needs, concerns and responsibility for the people, the prime minister arrived to meet those affected by the disaster. It shows that the federal government is attentive and cares about what had happened.
“And we want the commitment by the federal government to be accepted well and not to be denied (by the Penang government). The contribution by Najib must be appreciated as a leader who cares for the people.”
Zahid had also praised Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, along with his line of leaders who had gone to Penang to assist the flood victims.