THE Penang government today said it regretted how a recent civil society group-organised dialogue on floods and hill land development was “hijacked” by people with political agendas.

Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy said the well-intended dialogue organised by Penang Forum, a coalition of civil society groups, had on Sunday had turned into an event to lambast the state government by those “masquerading as members of civil society”.

“Professionals and experts spoke about floods and landslides using basic facts and figures, but unfortunately, their voices were drowned out by those who intended to create mischief and sow doubts about the Penang government. 

“This handful of individuals could not hide their disdain for the Penang government and used the opportunity, not only to lambast the government and its representatives for not showing up, but to warn that the Penang government might change the next time around.

“Such a political move found ready acceptance among Umno representatives who attended the function. In fact, the leader of the opposition even agreed to take up the issues raised in the coming state assembly,” he said in a statement today.

The dialogue held at the Teochew Association building had drawn a crowd of nearly 200. Many were citizens and civil society members while some were Barisan Nasional politicians, including its Penang chief Teng Chang Yeow, state opposition leader Jahara Hamid and two other BN assemblymen.

Ramasamy said he was attacked for being “more Umno than Umno”, while others had welcomed the Umno reps, adding that the “excellent reception” could not be described as a mere coincidence.

When the floor was opened to the audience, some in the crowd made remarks slamming the Penang government. DAP’s sole assemblyman present, Pulau Tikus rep Yap Soo Huey, was heckled when she spoke.

Dialogue moderator Ahmad Chik had to remind the audience more than once that the discussions were apolitical and not to get emotional with their comments and questions.

“Clearly, those behind the event had no control in guiding questions and comments on the stated objectives of the dialogue session.

“I am not sure whether the organisers knew that their event would be hijacked by those who were not keen on tackling floods and landslides but more interested in a political agenda,” Ramasamy said.

He also said that when the issue of non-attendance of elected government representatives came up at the dialogue, someone who was leading the attack on the government replied that they were attending Deepavali open houses. 

“Someone immediately retorted: ‘Attend Deepavali open house b*******’. I understand that many Indian organisations are very unhappy the event had given space to individuals who ridiculed Deepavali open houses. 

“It is totally unacceptable for a forum on floods and landslides to be turned into a religion bashing session. Whoever is responsible for making the remark must come out and apologise,” Ramasamy said, adding he had learnt that police reports would be lodged over the matter. – October 31, 2017.