Lim Guan Eng almost a dictator

Former PM Tun Dr Mahathir took about a year to get approval and consent from all parties, including the opposition for his Penang Bridge project. He even asked various agencies to conduct a thorough feasibility study before the tender was called.

He also took into consideration all inputs, suggestions and complaints before embarking on the 'mega' KLCC, Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, STAR-LRT, monorail and KLIA projects. None would be implemented without getting the majority voice, including the rakyat.

However, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng likes it to be a one man show. When we accused him of practicing 'corporate and legalistic entity' approach in his administration, he jumped off his seat and denied it.

GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng claims Penangites supported his government’s plan to build the RM6.3 billion mega road infrastructure projects to alleviate traffic congestion on the island.
His cited the reaction of attendees, mostly young voters, at various dialogue and briefing sessions, particularly at two public gatherings last week, as proof that the people backed his plans to build three new bypass highways and an undersea tunnel.
In a statement posted on his blog, he promised that all inputs gathered from these sessions over the past 18 months would be given an in-depth perusal before the state government signs the project’s final agreement with the contractor in few months’ time.
The mega projects include a 6.5km tunnel linking Gurney Drive and Bagan Ajam; a 4.2km bypass road linking Lim Chong Eu Expressway and Gurney Drive; a 4.6km bypass linking Air Itam and Lim Chong Eu Expressway; and a 12km Tanjung Bunga-Teluk Bahang road.
The projects, however, have come under fire from social activists, environmentalists, consumer rights activists and public transport advocates.

However, he is such a person - which draws him close to a dictator.

He didn't care what others, especially the rakyat say about him or his government and the manner in which state projects were approved without consent from various authorities. Whatever he says, rules now and nobody should contest.

His claim that Penangites support the project goes without basis. Many parties are against it since the Second Penang Bridge project is still under construction and will help reduce congestion on the existing bridge once its fully completed.

His officers are afraid to raise their concern about Lim's style of management. Once the boss is upset, they tend to be sidelined.

GEORGE TOWN: THE normally cool and calm S.M. Mohamed Idris has finally snapped  and the cause of his displeasure is none other than the Penang government, namely Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Mohamed Idris said Lim's style of governance had turned Penang into a place where an "atmosphere of intolerance" prevailed and people were afraid to speak and voice their objections for fear of upsetting him.
He said it had come to a situation where the state government thought it was more knowledgeable than anyone else and should not be questioned now that they had been chosen by the people.
The veteran non-governmental organisation leader said he had heard from people, including his own friends, that they would rather not make comments or take part in press conferences organised to raise issues against the administration.
"Freedom of opinion, to debate and criticise is important in a democracy, but the chief minister does not seem to like that. I do not know what his position is.

I wonder why Lim always applies speed on all Penang projects, without having to call for meetings and getting feedback from related agencies.

Is he feeling the heat mounting, that DAP would lose Penang in the impending general election?

Maybe he thinks 'before we get the boot, better grab anything valuable in Penang... I don't care what others say or think about it...!'