GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was today told not to shirk from his responsibility and to address the dissatisfaction on the proposed construction of hostels for foreign workers in Teluk Kumbar.
Gerakan deputy president Oh Tong Keong said Chow should be sincere in facing the people's protests against the project.
Chow, according to Oh, had last year said that the approvals given for the construction of hostels for foreign workers were in accordance to the standard operating procedure (SOP) set.
"Last week, however, the chief minister said he could not stop landowners from applying to set up hostels for foreign workers on their land, but that the local council would consider the applications with conditions imposed, if granted approval.
"Firstly, Chow should not be using "all approvals done in accordance to procedure and rules" as a reason to sidestep the people's objections and concerns.
"Secondly, is he trying to run away from his responsibility in this matter?" he asked.
Oh said Chow, as the chief minister, should listen to the people's grouses and reconsider the project in terms of safety, health and the locals' way of life through the construction of the hostels for foreign workers.
"As the chief minister, he should stand with the people and be more humane in resolving this issue.
"The people of Teluk Kumbar have spoken up against the project. Shouldn't Chow be listening to the people?
"Sadly, what is seen now is the chief minister lacks capability to deal with the matter and pushes the responsibility to others, to the extent of asking the dissatisfied lot to deal with the developer for an amicable solution," he added.
Last week, the state government said they would leave it to the committee opposing the proposed construction of a hostel for foreign workers in Teluk Kumbar and the developer to work out an amicable solution.
The state government also denies washing its hands off the matter.
Chow, who had a joint meeting with Balik Pulau member of Parliament Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Bayan Lepas assemblyman Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz, representatives of the committee and the developer today, said he would leave it to the respective parties to take the necessary actions.
Oh, who is state Gerakan chairman, said the party rallied behind the people of Teluk Bahang on the issue