How does Penang BN justify tabling the defeated motion despite certainty?

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Penang BN Justifies Tabling Motion by Highlighting Public Concerns

Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) tabled a motion in the Penang Legislative Assembly to highlight the concerns of the public, despite knowing it would be defeated due to their limited representation. BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow asserted that the purpose was to bring these issues to the forefront, criticising the Chief Minister for allegedly diverting attention from growing discontent rather than addressing it directly.
Highlighting Public Concerns as Primary Objective

BN's decision to table the motion, which called for all land reclamation projects in Penang to be subject to public debate, was primarily driven by a desire to voice the populace's unease. Although BN only commanded 10 assemblymen in the Penang Legislative Assembly, making a favourable vote improbable, Teng Chang Yeow stated that the tabling itself was essential to draw attention to these public sentiments.
Certainty of Defeat Acknowledged

The Penang BN leadership was fully aware that the motion faced an uphill battle for approval. With only 10 assemblymen, Teng Chang Yeow acknowledged that they anticipated the motion's defeat. However, this certainty did not deter them from proceeding, as the act of tabling the motion was seen as a necessary step to articulate the concerns of the people, irrespective of the outcome.
Criticism of Chief Minister's Response

Teng Chang Yeow criticised Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's reaction to the defeated motion, characterising it as a diversionary tactic. He argued that the Chief Minister should have acknowledged the growing discontent within his administration rather than issuing lengthy statements that focused on hypothetical scenarios had the motion passed. Teng suggested that the Chief Minister's lengthy response indicated a failure to confront leadership challenges and internal party dissent.
Motion's Outcome and Voting Dynamics

Ultimately, the motion was rejected with 23 assemblymen voting against it, while 10 supported it. Notably, five PKR assemblymen abstained from voting. The Speaker, Datuk Law Choo Kiang, declared the motion defeated. The article also mentions that Teh Yee Cheu, a DAP assemblyman, has since apologised, and details the specific PKR assemblymen who abstained.

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How does Penang BN justify tabling the defeated motion despite certainty?

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