Penang Watch

Thursday August 14, 2008(Star)
‘Hold debate in Penang’

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng wants the debate between him and his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon on land scams to be held in Penang.

He said Penang was the right location as it was a destination of choice for investors, tourists and locals.

“So, why don’t we have the debate here? What’s wrong with Penang?” he asked after opening World Vision’s One Life Revolution exhibition at Gurney Plaza here yesterday.

It had been reported that the debate would either be held at the Media Prima studio in Shah Alam or at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in Kuala Lumpur at 9pm on Aug 20.

Lim said Dr Koh had been making many demands but refused to have the debate in Penang.

He also noted Dr Koh’s request for documents, including minutes and reports of the previous government’s state executive council and state land committee meetings to help him prepare for the debate.

Lim said he would probably make an announcement today on Dr Koh’s request after raising it at the state executive council meeting.

When contacted, Agenda Daily editor Hanafiah Man said the debate was better held in Kuala Lumpur or Shah Alam for logistics reasons.

“Because it is being done live, it will be easier for the television stations. It will definitely cost more to move everything to Penang,” he said.

Hanafiah added that when the invitations were made, the venue was stated as Kuala Lumpur, and the matter was not raised during discussions.

“Up till yesterday (Tuesday), everyone had agreed on Kuala Lumpur,” he said.