IF the federal government has agreed to the expansion of the Penang International Airport (PIA), why is there a need for the new Kulim International Airport (KIA).

The proposed KIA is only 40km from PIA, making it difficult to justify.If Alor Star and Langkawi airports are not fully utilised in the north of the peninsula, the clamour for a new airport in Kulim, Kedah, might not be rational. However, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad seems to back the project even though the government might not have the funds.

Even if the proposed airport is the preference of Mahathir, however, as with all projects there is need for a feasibility study looks into social, traffic and environmental impacts.

If government cannot fund the proposed airport, private financial initiatives (PFI) might be the answer. I believe such assistance has been sought by state and federal officials. Whether such funding, running into billions of ringgit, might be forthcoming is not clear.

Anticipating opposition from Penang, Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir justified the KIA on grounds that it would be a cargo airport. If billions of ringgit are going to be spent, why should it be just for cargo.

The need for a major development project, such as an airport, in Kedah or in the northern region must be viewed in a broader historical context of race relations and the desire of the Malay-dominated BN to steer development and growth away from Penang.

Under the BN, Penang stood apart from other states not only in its racial composition but also in terms of urban development and commercialisation. It was the  only state that non-Malays, principally Chinese, formed the majority.

Penang’s demographics and commercial and economic sucess was an eyesore to those who wielded power at the federal level. There have been numerous attempts in the past six decades or so to reduce the significance of Penang.

Penang’s International Airport is one of the busiest in Southeast Asia. The other two airports in Kedah and in Ipoh can hardly be compared to PIA. There is no logical reason for a new airport in Kulim other than to punish Penang for its success. The debate is not so much about the lack of funds or to opt for PFI.

The present Penang government is not against the proposed new airport, it merely wants the federal government to engage in negotiations so that the best decision could be made.

I believe that those in Putrajaya have failed to understand the sentiments of the people in Penang. They cannot assume that what is good for the federal government is necessarily good for Penang. – May 6, 2019.