PSI issue: No need for debate

GEORGETOWN - There is no need to openly debate with Gerakan president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau Hoe Chai on the Penang South Island Project (PSI) issue.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said previously the state government together with the project partners had gone through various processes to apply for the Penang South Reclamation Project (PSR) including holding engagement sessions with stakeholders, public hearings and many more that would include public participation.

He said with the approval of PSR, focus would be given to PSI including starting the reclamation works into building an artificial island.

"We believe that the disputes, questions and answers related to PSI are old subjects and the Department of Environment (DoE) with all technical agencies have already laid down the conditions, where if the state government could not comply with the conditions set, then the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) could not approve it.

"On the other hand, if the plan had been approved then it had already undergo the screening process by all departments involved and only then the department can issue an approval with conditions to be complied with," he said when met by reporters today.

Chow said this after attending the Wesak Day Celebration ceremony at the Malaysian Buddhist Association Building, Jalan Burma near here.

Previously, Dominic challenged Chow to openly debate about the PSI project and Seberang Perai.

The challenge was made after Dominic claimed that the people of Penang had opposed the implementation of the project even though the state government had claimed that the project was fully supported by the people.

"He (Chow) said that non-governmental organisations and opposition only knew how to turn the project into a political matter, but what about the voices of the people such as the fishermen?," he said.

Commenting further, Chow said Dominic needed to look ahead and should have participated in the process before.

"I can't do anything anymore if he didn't participate in the process done before.. perhaps he wants to bring this issue to court, then that's his right," he said.