Chow said this could be considered provided Putrajaya agrees to undertake major roads and transit projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan.

Anwar, who earlier highlighted concerns by fishermen affected by the Penang South Reclamation plan, was today briefed about the project, which will see the creation of three islands in the south of the island city.

He said he supported the project.

“We will have to continue with this. Perhaps it could be funded by the federal government.

“I will support the state government in doing this, yet at the same time, continue to listen to the fishermen affected.”

Anwar was then asked by a reporter why he was supporting the project now when the fishermen had clearly told him that they were not in favour of it.

To this, Anwar said: “I am not committed to supporting them or the state government.

“But after listening to both sides, I see there is room for negotiations, on condition Penang gets the funds from the federal government and they can rescale the three-islands project.

“I have faith in Penang in continuing to talk to the fishermen. They are passionate about what they do.”

When pressed further, Anwar said the Penang government’s willingness to resize the reclamation project was a sign that it was “not adamant” in wanting its way.

“I requested for this meeting because I had reservations. Now, they are saying they can have one or two islands. I think this is a win-win situation.”

Anwar also praised Chow for being one-of-a-kind CM, saying he had never met a CM willing to listen and was not stubborn like other CMs he had met before.

“In my experience, it is rare to see this. I am impressed with his openness.”