Penang Truly Lagging Behind

SM Lee Kuan Yew isn't so smart after all

SM Lee Kuan Yew recently remarked that Penang has not developed at all for the past 20 years while we Penangites have known it all this while - that's why we kicked Koh Tsu Khoon out!


ERIC C MANUEL writes in The Star today:

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THE Mentor Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew made an honest and fair comment on Penang after a visit. There is no reason for Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon to go into denial and make accusations.

Dr Koh was the Chief Minister of Penang for 18 years with the full backing of the ruling party BN but what he contributed to the development of Penang to first world standards remains hazy.

Let’s start with the Penang airport. There is little development and the airport is only a shade better than the Pudu Raya bus terminal. Comparatively, there are several airports in the country which make the Penang airport look like a poor cousin.

The railway station and bus station in Butterworth have remained the same as they were 20 years ago. They are dilapidated with poor infrastructure and a poor feeder transport system to towns and the island.

It was during this period that the Sentral Railway Station in Kuala Lumpur was built. What a disparity between the two railway stations within one country and within the development scope of the same government.

Looking at the state’s inland transportation systems and the bus terminal, one would think that the state government stopped work for 20 years. Compare this with the Jalan Duta bus terminal. Had Penang embarked on an MRT or LRT project 18 years ago, Dr Koh would have left behind a legacy in the form of an effective transportation system that would resonate his name.

Now head to the ferry terminal of Penang. It is like getting into a time machine and cranking the wheels of time back into the 1960s. A historical and busy port, it could have been turned into one of the most modern sea terminals and gateways to the East. Its cousin terminal at Port Klang is way ahead in all the makings of a modern facility.

I could go on and on. But all said and done, Penang is about 20 years behind in comparison with Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak and Johor.
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JR: I couldn't have said it better. Let's see if Ah Khoon or his secretary cares to reply!