Environmental issues a key focus in Tanjung Bungah

GEORGE TOWN: Chua Cheong Wee (pix), the Parti Rakyat Malaysia's (PRM) candidate for the Tanjung Bungah state seat has pledged to make environmental issues the key focus of his campaign.
Chua, a former journalist with the Chinese vernacular newspaper Kwong Wah Yit Poh, said that former Tanjung Bunggah representative Teh Yee Cheu, had inspired him to become an environmental activist.
"We need to politicise the issues to generate awareness. And our relevant authorities need to take heed before it is too late. Climate change is real."
Chua said that his challenger Zairil Khir Johari from Pakatan Harapan (DAP) and Teh are his friends.
He also has high regards for Teng Chang Yeow, who is representing Barisan Nasional (BN) in Tanjung Bungah.
But he doubts that BN and Pakatan are as passionate about the environment.
The locality has been hit with a spate of disasters; from the flash floods to landslips and a landslide that claimed 11 lives last year.
Meanwhile, former Kebun Bunga assemblyman Cheah Kah Peng said that the environment is an issue in any election the world over.
He said in Malaysia, the voters would not see it as a main issue; rather it would take a backseat to political parties scheming to outdo each other, scandals, sensational news as well as bread and butter topics such as the Goods and Services Tax.
Cheah said politicians need to be holistic about it and draw up a practical and comprehensive solution to the issue.
He said in Penang, issues concerning the environment would be a key focus, compared to other states, as the effects of climate change have begun to impact the state.