‘Mafia developers’ control Penang
A consumer association takes the state government to task for allowing these developers to turn the state into an exclusive place for the affluent.
(Free Malaysia Today) – A consumer association leader has claimed that “mafia developers” have usurped Penang to turn the island into an exclusive place for the affluent.
Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam (CASSA) president Jacob George said this had triggered an exodus of the lower income people from their home state.
“Secret deals are done not only here but in Singapore and Hong Kong to turn Penang island exclusively for the rich. It’s clear that mafia developers have taken over Penang,” he alleged.
He slammed the Pakatan Rakyat state government for letting this happen unabated.
George blasted Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for caving in freely to the demands of property developers, who were bent on turning the island into an elitist dwelling.
“The state government is doing nothing about the displacement of communities taking place right under their noses,” he told a press conference here.
He said CASSA received numerous complaints from helpless local residents about the wrongdoings in the state, especially on the island.
He said the association’s ground study revealed that the developers virtually control and dictate all happenings in Penang.
“They even announce policy decisions,” he added.
George pointed to a 2009 news report on a property developer announcing the state government’s decision to raise density for property development.
He was amazed that the state government could allow a developer to usurp its power to make the important announcement.
“It clearly shows developers dictate and manipulate policies in Penang,” he added.
The CASSA president challenged the state government to prove developers’ boast that “higher density would lead to lower property prices.”
He called on Lim’s government to address the pressing issue instead of bragging about rosy statistics to show the state’s high investments and cash reserves.
