SEBERANG PERAI (June 29, 2008): Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop today brushed aside criticisms by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng that the state was not consulted when the monorail and the PORR (Penang Outer Ring Road) projects were withdrawn from the 9th Malaysia Plan.

"There is nothing to consult because it’s a federal project and the federal government decides. The federal government feels the monorail and the PORR are not important now, because the government needs the funds for other issues to help the people," he said.

He said the recent hikes in fuel and food prices have made it necessary to use the funds allocated to the two mega projects, totalling RM3.5 billion, to help the people.

"We are aware that the state wants a transportation system that is convenient. The federal government also wants to ensure convenient service."

He said the federal authorities are upgrading Penang’s public transportation by ordering 100 more RapidPenang buses to increase the size of the fleet to 250.

Asked if the Barisan Nasional stood to lose the support of Penangites following the decision, he said the decision was made sincerely and based on the government's capability.

"The people will accept this decision," he said at the launching of the Sri Murugan Centre's Educational Renaissance for Indians programme here.

He also said the Finance Ministry has initiated a RM100 million fund to help urban poor of all races under the Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia scheme.