Two PKR assemblymen axed from Penang GLCs

Ong Chin Wen (left) and Cheah Kah Peng

GEORGE TOWN: Two Penang PKR assemblymen, who abstained from voting against a land reclamation motion put forward by Umno last November, have had their positions in state government-linked companies (GLCs) terminated.

Penang PKR whip Ong Chin Wen, who is also the Bukit Tengah assemblyman, has been sacked from his director’s posts in Penang Invest and Island Golf Properties Bhd, a subsidiary company of Penang Development Corporation.

Sharing the same fate is Kebun Bunga assemblyman Cheah Kah Peng who has been terminated from his director’s position in Penang Hill Corporation (PHC).

Ong and Cheah were among five PKR backbenchers who had abstained from voting against the motion which had called for public hearings for land reclamation and suspension of all new reclamation plans until oceanic, environmental and social impact studies were carried out.

The three other PKR backbenchers are Dr Norlela Ariffin (Penanti), Dr T. Jayabalan (Batu Uban) and Lee Khai Loon (Machang Bubuk).

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who heads the two GLCs, has yet to issue an official statement on the sacking of the assemblymen.

Ong, when contacted, said he would issue a statement regarding the matter soon.

PHC general manager Dr Lawrence Khoo has, meanwhile, confirmed Cheah’s sacking.

He said Cheah was terminated from the position during the last board meeting, which was held two weeks ago.

Cheah could not be reached for comment.