Suaram disappointed with Penang Government

Suaram disappointed with Penang Government

GEORGE TOWN, Tues:

Suara Rakyat Malaysia has expressed regret that the Penang Government had failed to push for a better democratic system and was in the midst of a power struggle.

Suaram Penang coordinator Lau Shu Shi said today among the five Pakatan Rakyat led states striving to rebuild a more democratic system in the country, the Penang Government still had a long way to go.

Suaram was not satisfied over the fact that the state government was not putting enough effort in constructing a more democratic system, he said.

If the state government really has the will to push for a more democratic system, they at least have to emulate what has been done by the Malaysians for Free Elections (MAFREL), to organise some kind of debates at all levels before the restoration of local government elections.

"It is only through this way the people are able to express their views to the current state government," Lau said, citing the debate held in the run-up to the Penanti by-election as an example.
Lau said the boycott by PKR councillors on the swearing-in ceremony of new Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) Mokhtar Mohd Jait exposed flaws in the current appointment system that had been a common practice for both Barisan Nasional and PR.

She said the appointment of Mokhtar has caused a split in the PR here.

"People are now wondering whether the uproar in the current incident is due to the fact that both parties are ambitious and want to strengthen their influences in the state before the coming general elections.

"It is sad to note that officials within the PR government are more hungry for power than to look at the needs and interests of the people," she said in a statement.

Lau said the state government's unwillingness to adopt a more transparent appointment system as suggested by various NGOs is delaying the local government elections.

"We hope that the state government will understand the importance of a democratic system and will not opt for resignation in the event of conflicts of opinion and interest," she said.