GEORGE TOWN, May 20 -- Several Penang backbenchers have questioned the rationale behind a six-month bonus for staff of the state-owned Penang Development Corporation (PDC), particularly given the state's deficit budget.

Joseph Ng Soon Siang (DAP-Air Itam), Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Air Putih), and Lee Khai Loon (PKR-Machang Bubuk) sought explanations during their respective debates at the state legislative assembly yesterday and today regarding the approval of the bonus.

Ng argued that while the state government is facing financial constraints, PDC opted to announce the large bonus for its staff instead of potentially using funds to pay off debts owed to the government and banks.

"PDC is not a private company as it is a GLC with assistance fro...