PENANG: Former Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon has appealed to the federal government to continue with the implementation of mega projects in the state although it is now run by an opposition government.

Commenting on Penang Umno’s call on the federal government to scrap all major projects after Barisan Nasional’s defeat in the general election, Dr Koh, who is acting Gerakan president, said the projects should continue for the benefit of the people.

State Umno liaison committee secretary Datuk Azhar Ibrahim had told a press conference on Thursday that the state Umno would “persuade” the Federal Government to scrap all the mega projects in the state as “Penangites did not want development.”

Said Dr Koh: “These infrastructure projects are crucial for the future economy and quality of life for Penang and our neighbouring states.”

The acting Gerakan president cited the Second Penang Bridge, Penang Outer Ring Road, monorail and public transport system as examples.

“Successful implementation of these projects will also ensure that Penang will continue to grow as the hub of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT),” Dr Koh said in a press statement on Friday.

Dr Koh advised the current DAP led administration to refrain from engaging in political rhetoric.

“DAP leaders should instead adopt a constructive and positive approach to sustain inter-ethnic harmony and social stability.

“They must also take steps to provide a conducive environment to ensure smooth implementation of all projects for the continued economic development of Penang,” Dr Koh said.