Story by Chan Lilian
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
PERMATANG Pasir state assemblymember Datuk Salleh Man of PAS was in the limelight at the debate on Nov 20 between opposition Barisan Nasional (BN) and the Penang state government in the Pakatan Harapan coalition at the Penang State Assembly sitting.
BN’s Penaga assemblymember Mohd. Zain Ahmad had questioned if Salleh should be in the opposition now that PAS is not in the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
Mohd Zain also asked if there was a double standard applied as the media had reported that some village security and development committee (JKKK) members had their appointment terminated while Salleh continues in his position.
In replying to the question, Lim said: “The Penang state government does not practise double standards. This is based on the spirit of togetherness as a family. The Permatang Pasir assemblymember continues to be loyal to Pakatan Harapan. Although he is from PAS, he has continued to support and defend the Pakatan Harapan leadership.”
Meanwhile, the issue about the 300 JKKK members from PAS who had their services terminated was also explained by Lim.
Earlier in another press conference on Nov 19, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd. Rashid Hasnon had also explained the issue to the press.
Rashid said the 300 JKKK members had chosen not to work with the state government and hence had their services terminated.
“The state government has a lot of programmes for the benefit of the people and we need the support and participation of these JKKK members to carry out the aspirations of the state. These members chose to leave the JKKK when they received the notice in September from their party,” ….said.
Lim pointed out that there are 1,083 JKKK members who are from PAS and only 30% had their service terminated.
“There are still 783 members and these members should consult their PAS party on their positions. If they are loyal and supportive of the Pakatan Harapan state government, they can continue. I don’t expect the Barisan Nasional side to understand. This is to be expected. Barisan is only interested to divide the coalition,” Lim said.
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