A shadow for Komtar

Now here's something constructive for a change: Penang's BN state assemblymen plan to form a shadow cabinet to act as check-and-balance to the Minority govt's exco.

The Star Online reports:

Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said: “We have enough assemblymen to keep watch on the DAP-led state government.”

He said they would raise issues pertaining to state affairs publicly or at the state assembly.

“We will support the current government if its policies are good,” he told newsmen after meeting Singapore’s St John Chapel Choir group at Pusat Harian Harapan Bakti here yesterday.

This is refreshing; that BN in its role as opposition offers to collaborate with the state govt, to spar with it on issues in an organised manner, for the benefit of Penang.

That's the ideal, of course. It's the action that counts. The integrity of such promises can only be judged in the months to come but it is still a mile more imaginative than the inane discussions by the BN so far. Far better than Shabery Chik wanting to meet bloggers, or the promise to declare assets, or "finding out what went wrong" - i mean, that's the very least they ought to do if they are to remain relevant. There's so much more BN can initiate.

We're awaiting more inspired ideas.