DPM Zahid Says Recent Floods A Sign From God Telling BN To Reclaim Penang

The massive floods in the state were the effects of the violent Typhoon Damrey in Vietnam, which has killed at least 27 people.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was quoted by Free Malaysia Today (FMT) saying, "I am made to understand that Penang is experiencing the effects of Typhoon Damrey, which has caused havoc in Vietnam."

In fact, the amount of rainfall Penang had in one day was equivalent to one and a half months' of rain in the state.

Penang had recorded its highest ever rainfall - 372mm - at the Pajak Song station in Kepala Batas, which was followed by Central Seberang Perai at 327mm, Northeast (289mm), Southwest (237mm), and South Seberang Perai at 165mm.

DPM Zahid Hamidi, who was speaking at the 46th Gerakan National Delegates' Conference, said that floods were a sign from God that Penang was ripe for the taking.

"God has sent down his wrath upon those who have boasted that Penang is free of floods, but what has happened is that God is showing us that this is the best for us to take back Penang," The Malaysian Insight reported him as saying.

"Did we politicise the issue? Not at all. Did we use everything that has happened to take advantage and help flood victims for political reasons?

"Not all things can be politicised. But if anyone politicises everything, just wait. The people will punish (them)," reported Malaysiakini.

"I also helped the people of Penang after seeing the difficulties faced. I was embraced (by the people) because I offered help colour-blindly. This is our attitude in BN," he was quoted as saying by The Malaysian Insight.

He added that the government cares about the problems faced by the people.