LETTER | Reading with interest the developments and the spins in the daily press on Penang's liveability and needing more land and controlling mass tourism - it smacks of a dangerous agenda to change the face of Penang. 

Who is behind this? Elites seeking to assume control of development in Penang. 

Let's look at a few key statements -

1) The Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow actually saying he will chair a special committee to oversee Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI).

Even the former PM Najib did not oversee the PAC on 1MDB. CMI has been criticised as entering the sphere of development through Think City seeking to control critical waterfront pieces which are for tourism and the general public

2) The three islands reclamation - in no part of Malaysia, was BN ever spared from criticism for launching such projects as the Penang South Reclamation. Melaka Gateway, with its ever-changing masterplans, was not spared, and now has the dubious distinction of seeking a legal claim against the current government. 

Why would the three islands be awarded to one company? 

If land is indeed critical, then why can't we follow the Singapore model on reclamation where all land that is reclaimed is owned by the government and then leased or subleased?

3) Of highways and expressways and the LRT - Penang faces congestion especially during peak festive periods. Can we not force ourselves to reconsider the expressways and instead consider a tram system or a BRT? These were both part of the original Halcrow traffic study.

4. Clearing the undersea tunnel company - how can the Chief Minister issue such a statement - that the company involved in building the Penang undersea tunnel project and three paired roads has been cleared of any wrongdoing by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)? Is it really his pregorative to make such a statement?

I seriously think the Honourable Chief Minister needs to reconsider the state priorities, do not forget the grouses of the people.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.