Quit cherry-picking environmental causes, PAS told after attack on Penang reclamation

GEORGE TOWN – PAS should stop being selective when it comes to championing environmental issues, including those relating to the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, said the Permatang Pasir assemblyman.

Muhammad Faiz Fadzil’s call comes amid criticism by the Islamist outfit’s politicians of the project, including urging for it to be scrapped.

In a statement, the Amanah rep said they are using the issue to gain political mileage, pointing out that they did not oppose reclamation projects undertaken in neighbouring Kedah, whose government is led by their party.

“It seems that PAS leaders are selective (when it comes to) environmental issues.

“They did not raise the issue of logging in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan that has affected the environment and Orang Asli communities.

“To date, no effective policy has been proposed by PAS to control increasingly widespread logging in PAS-ruled states.”

He expressed surprise that PAS has deemed PSR a “disaster” when the project’s environmental impact assessment reports, based on facts and studies, have been scrutinised and reviewed by experts, and approved.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Industries Minister II Datuk Che Abdullah Mat Nawi’s call yesterday for PSR to be cancelled is “inappropriate” and “unfair”, said Faiz.

During a press conference in Teluk Kumbar, Che Abdullah brought up fishermen’s plight, and the need to conserve the environment and fishery resources.

“Many are wondering if the strong protests against PSR by the PAS leader are meant to anger the Malays and draw their support, and cause the community to detest the Penang government, for (the party’s) own political interests,” said Faiz.

“I raise this question because Che Abdullah himself has questioned the real purpose of PSR’s implementation, and how it will affect the majority of Malay locals.

“What is the intention of the PAS deputy minister in mentioning ‘Malays’ here?”

PAS leaders previously said PSR is a “geopolitical” project that will drive Malays out of Penang, he added.

This racist, cheap politics should not be used as a metric of values in the state and our plural country. Is this a political game for PAS and its allies?

“I’m sure we all know the answer. I am also confident that the people of Penang who have given their trust to Pakatan Harapan for three terms have more faith in the state government’s leaders.”

PSR aims to create three islands with a combined size of 1,800ha, or approximately 3,600 football fields.

Faiz said a series of discussions has been held between the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority, fishermen’s groups and the state government to arrive at a solution with regard to the project’s impact on the fishing community.

“I want to emphasise the importance of long-term strategies and the modernisation of fishermen so that their quality of life and productivity are increased, taking them out of the cocoon of poverty.

“I understand that the assistance given to fishermen is not just in the form of cash, but also in kind, like boats with new engines, the construction of four jetties, jobs during the reclamation period, as well as the building of artificial reefs, fishery collection devices, fish seed release, and many more.

“Previously, there had never been a reclamation project owner that undertook a long-term programme for the benefit of fishermen, other than paying compensation.”

He expressed hope that PAS leaders, including Che Abdullah, will seek clarification from Penang on plans to mitigate PSR’s negative impact. – The Vibes, June 17, 2021