Get public views on wireless Penang, says Suaram
GEORGE TOWN: A human rights organisation has called on Jelutong MP Jeff Ooi Chuan Aun to engage in constructive public dialogues to resolve the telecommunications towers controversy.
Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) Penang branch coordinator Ong Jing Cheng (pic right) said the DAP parliamentarian should listen and analyse feedback from the grassroots before implementing a policy to make Penang wireless.
He said only then can the DAP parliamentarian, who also heads the Penang Development Corporation Telecommunications, draw up a comprehensive plan befitting the people’s wishes.
He argued that installation of telecommunications towers all over Penang could be a public health hazard, as such he urged Ooi to listen to the people’s views before bulldozing the wireless project.
“The best way to do it is by having public consultations,” said Ong, who was irked by Ooi’s ‘advice’ to Suaram to concentrate on federal and not state-level human rights issues.
Ong asserted that Suaram would not shirk its human rights responsibilities at both federal and state levels.
“Suaram is against any form of human rights violations by anyone against anyone,” he pointed out.
Two years ago the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced his intention to make Penang wireless.
A former blogger turned MP, Ooi is Lim’s chief of staff.
Potential dangers
However, the Penang Electromagnetic Field Protection Coalition (PEFPC) has warned the state of potential dangers in erecting telecommunications towers.
The group wants Lim’s government to consider the safety limits used by Austria, Germany and Italy when erecting telecommunication structure.
Last week, irked by PEFPC’s constant criticisms against the project, Ooi threatened the group with the Sedition Act, which inevitably drew instant criticisms from various groups.
Ooi questioned the legality and credibility of the coalition and vowed to use all relevant laws to deal with the group.
Ooi defended the wireless project, claiming that state government had adhered to safety limits approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Health Ministry.
He said that the safety limits were also sanctioned by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.
In response, Ong said it was wrong for Ooi to threaten critics with Sedition Act when its suits him, while his party vehemently opposes the draconian law.
"The critics are only expressing their views and suggesting alternate ideas for implementation of wireless project.
“Questioning the safety limits used by government in erecting telecommunications towers is not seditious,” he said.
Taking it up in Parliament
He said Suaram was always against the use of the (Sedition) act as it was often deployed by the Umno-led federal government to hinder freedom of speech.
Ong said it was shocking to see that Ooi, who was a fierce advocate of free speech during the post-2008 general election period, could suggest draconian laws to intimidate and silence critics of a state project.
“Until today, the MP has not contributed anything substantial to resolving the controversy.
“Instead he has only defended his threat to use the Sedition Act,” lamented Ong.
Ooi has warned critics that he would initiate legal action against those who consistently called him names such as “stupid and recalcitrant".
He also plans to raise a question on PEFPC’s credibility and legitimacy in Parliament on June 16.
Without the necessary experience, the next best way is to take examples from other countries. We must follow standards and requirement while constructing these things.
BalasPadammemang betul guideline dan regulation yang digunapakai oleh negara luar wajar dijadikan teladan kepada negara kita supaya kesihatan rakyat terjamin. jika bahaya radiasi cell phone termasuk meningkatkan kadar darah tinggi, migraine, sakit kepala, kanser otak, alzheimer's dll..apa lagi kalau terbinanya sistem pemancar telekomunikasi gergasi?
BalasPadamwajarlah agar kesihatan rakyat terjamin dan dijaga. cuma susah juga sebab keperluan telekomunikasi di zaman ICT ni agak tinggi dan sekarang ni penggunaan cellphone, broadband dll sudah jadi keperluan dan kehendak masyarakat..
BalasPadamQuestioning the government definitely is not seditious, this is for the safety of all citizens in the country. Whenever there are anything suspicious or questionable, it should be brought up for monitoring.
BalasPadamSegala faktor patut diambil kira kerana ini berkaitan dengan keselamatan rakyat.
BalasPadamHarap kerajaan akan mengikut peraturan bila membina struktur seperti ini.
BalasPadamThe safety of the people should be number 1 in the Govt top 10 priority list. Ask and survey first on what they think and listen when they disagree..This way the people won't feel left out.
BalasPadam