Lim Guan Eng dares Zahid, demands Penang Pakatan expel Umno and defer hikes

GEORGE TOWN, September 14 — DAP's Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng has questioned the reasoning behind Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi daring the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government to remove Umno from Putrajaya, but not making a similar demand of Penang's PH administration. Lim observed that Umno holds positions within the Penang state executive council, both city councils and state-linked companies.

He argued that Zahid lacked the bravery to challenge Penang PH, as the coalition would still maintain a two-thirds majority in the state assembly without Umno's two elected representatives. Lim accused Umno of taking advantage of Penang PH's hesitation regarding the party's "two-faced approach" — collaborating with opposition Perikatan Nasional while remaining part of the state government.

He cautioned that PH supporters were fully aware that Umno and PAS would continue to employ "extreme politics and divisive rhetoric" to gain power at any cost. Lim urged the Penang government to address what he characterized as Umno and Barisan Nasional's opportunistic and hypocritical actions by implementing people-centric policies.

He suggested deferring increases in fees, rent, water tariffs, and parking rates to deter Umno, PAS, MCA, and Gerakan from their actions.