DAP Johor assemblyman says opposition barred from local government meeting

JOHOR BARU: Although there is a regulation which states that local government's full board council meetings are open to public, but those from the opposition parties are denied entry, said DAP state assemblyman Andrew Chen Kah Eng (Stulang).
He said the Johor Housing and Local Government committee chairman Datuk Md Jais Sarday must make it clear that all local governments should adhere to Section 23 of Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) that states all full council meetings of local governments are open for public and media personnel.
Chen raised the matter when state assemblyman Tan Hong Ping (Mengkibol-DAP) and Chua Wee Beng (Bentayan-DAP) were not allowed in as public audience in the full board council meetings of Kluang Municipal Council and Muar Municipal Council on Wednesday respectively.
He also pointed out that Johor opposition chief Gan Peck Cheng (Penggaram-DAP) was also denied entry at the Batu Pahat Town Council full board meeting and she was asked to write a formal letter if she wishes to attend the meeting on Thursday.
Chen said he together with two DAP state assemblymen — Liow Cai Tung (Johor Jaya) and Cheo Yee How (Pengkalan Rinting) were present at the Johor Baru City Council full board meeting.
Meanwhile, MCA Johor Baru City Councillors spokesman, Ang Boon Heng said DAP state assemblymen who were at some of the full board meetings had indicated that the general election was coming soon.
City council mayor A. Rahim Nin welcomed the presence of three state assemblymen in the meeting.