SHAH ALAM: DAP today expresssed gratitude to the federal government leaders including the Prime Minister and his deputy for their quick help during the recent floods in Penang.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, who is also Penang Chief Minister, thanked them for putting aside political differences to assist Penang in dealing with the floods.
“It was the worst flood and storm in the history (of Penang). I thank Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, as well as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for immediately sending help and for coming to Penang (in times of crisis).
“We recognised the magnitude of the crisis from the start, which was why I called Zahid at 3.30am on Sunday, Nov 5 to ask for help.
“Probably because of the distress call, by the time the nation woke up in the morning, everyone knew that it was an extraordinary crisis that we had to put everything else aside, including political differences, to come to the people’s rescue,” he said in his speech at the DAP’s special congress and central executive committee (CEC) re-election here.
Lim said the Penang disaster brought together Malaysians regardless of race, religion or political affliations.
“I would also like to thank Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, ministers Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and Tan Sri Noh Omar for their help.
Lim said he wished to thank the Fire and Rescue Department, armed forces, police, People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) members and other state and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental organisations, that had given their all to help us.
“Your precious assistance, contributions and donations will forever be appreciated,” he said.
Lim said as of 8am today, DAP Penang’s account received RM7.5 million of public donations which were still coming in.
“DAP Penang chairman Chow Kon Yeow and I are overwhelmed by the public expression of solidarity with the people of Penang.
“The amount raised will eventually be channelled to the Penang government and I promise you that we will spend every single sen from the donation to restore the lives of the victims to normalcy,” he added.
Strong wind and heavy rains which pummelled states in the north since Nov 4, had triggered unprecedented floods in many places.
Almost the whole of Penang was inundated, with floodwaters rising up to 3m in some areas.
Najib, who visisted Penang to assess the flood situation had reportedly said the Federal Government had approved RM150 million for flood mitigation projects in Penang.
More than 200 military personnel were deployed to several areas in Penang to help victims when the flood was at its peak.
Zahid reportedly said the flood should not be manipulated as the people and the victims' interests must be given priority.
He had also said the flood happened because of excessive development which had led to erosions, landslides and swollen rivers when there were prolonged rains.