'Penang Port to Penangites' campaign kicks off

The campaign is to prevent the privatisation of the port from taking place by a private businessman as the deal has not been inked yet although he has won the bid for the project.

The state DAP today launched its "Return the Port to Penangites" campaign, inviting Penangites who wish to see a vibrant port and a dynamic economy to join in its call.

State DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow (left), heading the campaign, said that the federal government should mess neither with Penangites nor their economy by handing over the port to private interests.

Chow, who is also a state executive councillor, urged the cabinet to revoke its Nov 25, 2011 decision to privatise Penang Port Sdn Bhd to businessman Syed Mokhtar al-Bukhary.

He said the privatisation process must be stopped so that Syed Mokhtar does not turn it into a feeder port for other ports under his control.

He also called on the federal government to dredge the channel immediately as it was promised in the 9th and 10th Malaysia Plan, to a depth that allows big vessels of 4,000 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent unit) and above to call at the port.

"The BN-led federal government should transfer the ownership of the Penang Port to the Penang state government which has the popular mandate of Penangites," Chow told reporters here today.

"As far as Penang's economic future is concerned, this is the most pressing and urgent issue, especially in light of the parliamentary reply on privatisation of the port," he added.

"Syed Mokhtar is unlikely to dredge the channel immediately as his game plan is to turn Penang Port into a feeder for his other ports," stressed Chow.

Syed Mokhtar won port bid

Recently, Bukit Mertajam MP Chong Eng obtained a parliamentary reply about the port privatisation, where she was told that "Syarikat Seaport Terminal (Johor) Sdn Bhd is the winning bidder for the proposal to privatise the Penang Port through direct equity holdings in Penang Port Sdn Bhd".

The Penang Port issues was thrust into the limelight when state BN chief Teng Chang Yeow openly declared that a free port would be one of the coalition's pledges to regain the state from Pakatan Rakyat in the 13th general election.

Chow, who is Tanjung MP, said that Penang's economic future requires the port to be a regional and transhipment hub which means cheaper shipment cost and more routes for the state's industries.

"It's time Penangites unite and send a strong message to the BN-led federal government to stop messing with our port and economy," said Chow.

When asked how effective would the campaign be, Chow said "as long as the agreement is not signed, we hope the campaign would be successful".

Meanwhile, state DAP secretary Ng Wei AIk said the free port campaign would involve other Pakatan Rakyat members to ensure its success.

Ng added that the campaign would be carried out online for youths and several forums and signature campaigns would be organised.