Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Yeoh: I’ll be a link between govt and council - The Star

April 22, 2008

FOR the first time in many years, an assemblyman has been appointed as a Penang municipal councillor.

Paya Terebong assemblyman Yeoh Soon Hin said the deci- sion to appoint him to the Pe-nang Municipal Council (MPPP) was a “strategic move” to en- sure there was an active link between the state government and council.

Yeoh, who is also the Penang DAP Youth Chief, said his presence in the MPPP was essential to help the implementation of state projects.

“The local government is on the front line of government agencies that meet the people on the ground.

“As the state government is quite new, it is important that any policies to be implemented be swiftly be communicated from the government to the council and any grievances from the public can be heard at the highest level,” he said.

Tham Weng Fatt and Tan Hun Wooi, who were dropped as DAP candidates in the last general election, were pleased with their appointments.

“I don't see the appointment as a consolation prize at all. I'm proud that the state government has put enough trust in me ,” said Tan.

Tham, on the other hand, said he had been “waiting for this position for ages”.

“I have been monitoring Local Government issues for over eight years and have been hoping to be appointed as a councillor. However, the opportunity has not arisen until now,” said the state DAP Action Team chief.

He added that his first priority would be to work on the cleanliness and security of Penang.

Abdul Halim Salleh, the sole PAS representative on the council, said it was time to get to work.

“PAS is satisfied with the composition of councillors. The important thing now is that we get down to work and carry out our duties with integrity to serve the people of Penang,” Abdul Halim, the state PAS information chief, said.

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