GEORGE TOWN: A total RM611,051 of public funds had been spent in six months by Penang government executive councillor on their overseas trips between November last year and April this year.
During the period, Penang MCA Liaison Committee Deputy Chairman Tan Teik Cheng alleged various executive councillors had travelled to places such as Berlin and Shanghai.
He said acccording to reports from state government entity Invest Penang, the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and the state executive councillors had travelled overseas 20 times to visit numerous state leaders and traders, and to attend seminars.
Among them, he alleged that state exco Phee Boon Poh, who is in charge of welfare, caring society and environment portfolios, had travelled the most with five overseas trips.
Pointing out that some trips were conducted during assembly sessions, Tan slammed the absent excos of Pakatan Rakyat state government as irresponsible.
“This is not only a waste of the public’s money.
“It is also a dereliction of duty as their absence from the state legislative assembly has prevented them from responding to the many enquiries raised by assemblymen.
“How is Lim expected to maintain a system of checks and balances within the state if he, as the Chief Minister, is unable to supervise his own Pakatan comrades?
“As the highest ranking man in the state government, he should set an example for his exco members to follow, focusing in particular on their attendance in the state assembly.
“The fact that these key people are absent from the winding up session of the State Assembly is just plain disrespectful,” said Tan in a statement here today.
Tan also called on Lim and his excos to reveal their achievements of the frequent trips abroad.
He also wants them to clarify on whether or not they boarded budget carrier AirAsia or travelled in economy class.
“If they did not, it would only mean that Lim’s thrifty image is nothing, but a publicity stunt,” said Tan.
