If the news conference at 2pm is anything as expected, MCA's no. 2 man, will be announcing his decision not to contest the 12th general election. Speculation has been rife that he is declining renomination due to health grounds. So, where does this leave the nation as far as the alleged RM4.6 billion Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) scandal is concerned? Rather easy and convenient way of avoiding an explanation or inquiry into that alleged scandal, isn't it? Now we all won't know the truth as far as the allegations are concerned.

If he goes, then we can expect a new Transport Minister to be appointed (as well as Health Minister since this post has been vacant due to the resignation of Datuk Seri Dr. Chua Soi Lek). Would there be any improvement to our nation for the next 5 years in these two ministries under the leadership of new Ministers? Only time can tell. For now, I can only expect that the people of Penang Island, which measures only 285 sq kilometres as opposed to Singapore at 682.7 sq kilometres, would dream that after this General Elections, the public transportation system on Penang Island would be improved from what it is today. Let us not compare Malaysia with Singapore but we can always compare Penang Island with Singapore.

Growing at about the same time as Singapore as part of the Straits Settlement (together with Melaka), the pace of development and modernisation of Penang Island pales in comparison with Singapore. Well, okay. Let's for a moment remember that Singapore is a country and Penang is only a state. But hey, since it is only a state, would it not be easier to develop it as compared to a nationwide development exercise? You have lesser people and land to deal with. And afterall, who says we Malaysians don't have the funds? Pak Lah, who is from the state of Penang has just announced multi-billion ringgit development corridors around the country. Surely we can afford to spend 50 billion on Penang Island to restore it to its previous glory during the Straits Settlement days. Give Singapore a run for its money.

Oh well...that won't (probably) be part of Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy's problem anymore. And neither will it be Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon's.