Holiday on Sept 16 next year, says Penang CM

Monday September 1, 2008 MYT 3:27:52 PM
Holiday on Sept 16 next year, says Penang CM
By WINNIE YEOH

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government would definitely make Sept 16 a public holiday.

He, however, said the day would probably only be made a holiday next year.

“We probably cannot have it this year as we already declared a public holiday on Aug 26. We have to take the business industry into consideration, as a day off would greatly impact the sector,” he said Monday after attending a drainage cleanliness campaign in Tanjung Bungah near here.

Lim said this in response to PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal that all Pakatan Rakyat states make Sept 16 a public holiday.

Anwar had said the Government should declare Sept 16 as a public holiday to mark the anniversary of Malaysia’s formation as it was the day when Sabah and Sarawak joined the country in 1963.

He proposed that all states ruled by Pakatan Rakyat declare the day as a public holiday.

“Let us start our celebration on Aug 31 and end it on Sept 16,” he had said in his speech at a thanksgiving feast at the Seberang Jaya Expo site on Sunday to celebrate his victory in the Permatang Pauh by-election.

Saturday June 28, 2008 MYT 5:50:15 PM

Blame those who shelved projects, Lim tells Koh

By ANDREA FILMER

GEORGE TOWN: Stop the blame game and go after those responsible for shelving the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) and monorail project - this is Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s response to his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

Lim questioned why the former Chief Minister was blaming him for the shelving of the projects, when it was the Prime Minister and Federal Government’s decision to withhold allocation during the Ninth Malaysia Plan mid-term review.

“The state government has said from the beginning that we want all Federal Projects in the state to continue.

“Show me any statement where I said I didn’t want PORR or the monorail,” Lim said in a challenge to Dr Koh during a press conference after meeting with representatives from China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.

He said the state had requested adjustments in PORR’s alignment to reduce public impact, but made it clear to the Government that both projects should continue.

He said as Gerakan acting president, Dr Koh has failed to speak up against the Government for making the decision.

In a statement issued on Friday, Dr Koh said Lim had sent “confusing signals” to the Federal Government that had contributed to the shelving of the projects.

While launching a service centre in Jelutong earlier in the day, Lim said the Federal Government should give Penang back the RM3.5bil previously allotted for the projects.

“Penangites pay taxes so it is only right for us to get our fair share in allocation,” he said.

On the second Penang bridge, Lim said contractors China Harbour had cited the rising cost of materials and specification upgrades as reasons for the bridge’s escalating price.

“Amongst the reasons given was upgrading specifications for the bridge to have a 120 year life span in comparison to the original plan of 100 years,” he said.

When asked if he was satisfied with the explanation, Lim said the bridge’s price tag was ultimately up to the Federal Government and a detailed breakdown on all cost aspects should be given.

“The people have a right to know why the bridge project cost has risen from RM2.7bil to RM4.3bil in the past year,” he said, adding that the bridge should be built as soon as possible.

PAS leader slams Khalid and Guan Eng

PAS leader slams Khalid and Guan Eng
28 June, 2008

PETALING JAYA: A PAS leader has hit out at the leadership styles of Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

Terengganu PAS commissioner Datuk Mustafa Ali said he did not want to criticise his Pakatan Rakyat colleagues but felt he had to have his say now that they had “opened a Pandora's box”.

Mustafa said Khalid should behave as a Mentri Besar and not as a chief executive officer of a company when he suspended his special officer Mohd Yahya Mat Sahri.

While he commended Khalid for acting “without fear or favour”, he said a Mentri Besar should refer to his party leadership before taking action.

“In the corporate world, to hire and fire is the absolute authority of the CEO but it is different in state administration.

“As Mentri Besar, he should refer to his colleagues in the state executive council as well as his partners in PKR and other PR leaders before taking action,” Mustafa wrote in his blog Politik Malaysia (padapendapatsaya.blogspot.com).

Meanwhile, he criticised Lim for publicly condemning Kedah Mentri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak for permitting logging in Azizan’s state.

Mustafa said he shared Lim’s sentiments on logging, but the manner in which Lim hit out at Azizan was wrong. - The Star

Oriental plans RM600m plantation expansion

Oriental plans RM600m plantation expansion

27-06-2008:
by Regina William

PENANG: Oriental Holdings Bhd is planning to restructure and expand its plantation sector, involving an expenditure of an estimated RM600 million, as part of its long-term strategy to boost its oil palm acreage. The group is also considering listing its plantation arm in the next few years.

Its chairman Datuk Loh Cheng Yean said plans included increasing the present 40,000ha, located in Malaysia and Indonesia, to 60,000ha within the next two to three years. It is expected to involve investments of RM600 million.

“Most of our expansion will be focused in Indonesia. We are going to increase our acreage for oil palm both in Malaysia and Indonesia as we are doing very well in this sector. Our intention is not only to leverage on the high prices of the raw commodity now but also our expansion is part of our business strategy.

“As a group, this business is ideal for us and since we are also involved in development projects, it augurs well for us,” said Loh after the company’s AGM. He added the company had identified several sites both in Malaysia and Indonesia and negotiations were still underway.

“We are also looking at investing in the plantation industry in other countries in the region as part of our expansion plans in the next few years. Due to our performance in this sector, the group is also contemplating to list the plantation division within the next few years,” Loh added.

The plantation subsidiaries of the group enjoyed a highly profitable year with the Indonesian plantations producing a record crop of 512,378 tonnes in 2007 compared to 399,990 tonnes in 2006. However, in Peninsula Malaysia, total yield for the year amounted to 92,956 tonnes in 2007 compared to 104,691 tonnes in 2006.

The decrease was attributed to the palms suffering stress due to the high yields in 2006 but it was compensated by the higher commodity price averaging RM514 per tonne compared to RM290 in 2006.

The plantation sector is also expected to boost the group’s earnings this year while the push for biofuel as an alternative energy source by goverments coupled with higher soybean oil prices were also expected to benefit this sector.

The group recorded RM4.5 billion revenue in 2007, an increase of 13.9% from RM3.9 billion in 2006 while pre-tax profit was at RM500 million, a 16.6% rise from RM334.1 million in 2006.

Penang sore with shelved monorail, ring road projects

Lim Guan Eng ... federal government irresponsible

Penang sore with shelved monorail, ring road projects

PENANG, June 27 — Penang is disappointed with the federal government's decision to shelve the RM2 billion Penang Monorail and RM1.5 billion Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) in the 9th Malaysia Plan with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng calling it irresponsible and detrimental to the state economy.

"It is a very irresponsible decision when the federal government, without consulting the Penang goverment, decided to hold back these two mega projects," Lim told reporters late yesterday, adding the state was willing to adjust the PORR alignment to facilitate work.

He added that the state could not finance the costly monorail project on its own. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi tabled the mid-term review of the 9MP yesterday, dropping big ticket projects in favour of people-centred projects and increasing the budget allocation for the five-year masterplan to RM230 billion.

The economic planning unit (EPU) said other projects shelved included administrative centres in Kelantan, Sarawak and Pahang as the government concentrated on expanding the economy and mitigating the effects of soaring prices in fuel, rice and other staples.

Critics say Abdullah is punishing his home state for voting in the Opposition coalition of Lim's Democratic Action Party (DAP) and its partner the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) but government officials denied the allegations, saying the projects could start in the 10th Malaysia Plan.

Discord in 2 states ruled by Anwar's alliance

Discord in 2 states ruled by Anwar's alliance
27 June, 2008

In Selangor and Kedah, fights over power deals and logging undermine opposition's rule

The Straits Times

TROUBLE is brewing in two states ruled by the three-party Pakatan Rakyat (PR), led by former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

About 100 Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) supporters gathered outside its office on Tuesday to complain that too few of its members were appointed as town councillors in Selangor, amid a controversy involving an aide of the Chief Minister.

And in Kedah, padi farmers and environmentalists are challenging the PR state government after it insisted on going ahead with logging in a forest reserve to raise development funds, The Star newspaper reported.

The troubles seem to indicate that the three-month honeymoon period with voters and their supporters is over for the opposition parties. At another level, it looks like the fight for the spoils of the electoral victory has begun.

PR is made up of multiracial PKR, Islamist Parti Islam SeMalaysia (PAS) and the Chinese-led Democratic Action Party.

A Selangor PKR division head, Dr Badrul Amin, said: 'We are angry that many of our party warriors...were not appointed to the government, including as local councillors.'

Of the 288 councillors appointed, seven were from PKR.

'The anger has been fuelled further as our state secretary, Mohd Yahya Mat Sahri, was suspended for a yet-to-be-proven allegation,' he was quoted as saying by The Star on Wednesday.

Mr Mohd Yahya quit on Wednesday as an aide to the Selangor Menteri Besar and as Selangor PKR secretary, a blow to the party which has been projecting an image of strength and unity. He was suspended on Monday for allegedly being involved in approvals for cleaning and garbage collection contracts.

In Kedah, the PAS-led government plans to go ahead with cutting trees in the Ulu Muda forest reserve. The forest draws rainwater which is collected in three dams - Pedu, Ahning and Muda. The water is channelled for irrigating padi fields and part of it is sold to Penang, now also one of the PR-ruled states.

Kedah Menteri Besar Azizan Abdul Razak, defending the planned logging concession, has said that even if the federal government were to allocate RM100 million (S$41 million) for the state's development, it would be insufficient.

'We are too obsessed with preserving the trees that we don't cut them. We leave the trees till they get old and die,' he said in response to anger over the logging plan.

Kedah padi farmers and the Penang government have said cutting the trees could dramatically reduce the catchment area, the New Straits Times reported on Wednesday. 'The Kedah government should not commit suicide. Water resources are important,' said Penang Water Board general manager Jaseni Maidinsa.

Penang PAS lodges police report against ACA

Penang PAS lodges police report against ACA
25, June, 2008

(Bernama) -- Penang PAS today lodged a police report alleging the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) had leaked information pertaining to a corruption report made by the party during the last general election, causing efforts to nab the individual implicated to fail.

The report was made by state PAS committee member Zolkifly Md Lazim at the Butterworth police station here.

Zolkifly claimed that on Feb 24, he had provided information to the Butterworth ACA relating to corrupt activities concerning the election contest for the Tasek Gelugor parliamentary seat but the information had apparently been leaked out by someone at the Butterworth ACA office.

"An agent of the Barisan Nasional (BN) who offered the bribe telephoned me asking why the ACA had become involved in the matter," he told reporters after updating the Butterworh ACA on this latest development.

He alleged that the agent had offered RM2 million to the PAS candidate for the Tasek Gelugor seat in the March 8 election to withdraw from the contest.

"The offer was made through me at 1.30am on Feb 24. I immediately informed the ACA about the development over the telephone. At 4.30am the same day, I went to the Butterworth ACA office during which time the agency recorded my telephone conversation with the agent who offered the bribe," he said.

In the contest, the BN candidate Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, who was making his election debut, defeated PAS' Ismail Salleh with a majority of 5,547 votes.

Pakatan Rakyat is losing the plot

Pakatan Rakyat is losing the plot
24 June, 2008

The latest controversy involving Yahya Shahri, added to the MIA Port Kelang State Assemblyman, does not augur well for PKR. PKR already has to run twice as fast just to stay in pace with PAS and DAP. Falling behind PAS and DAP certainly does not help PKR one bit.

THE CORRIDORS OF POWER

Raja Petra Kamarudin

Selangor MB’s suspended aide quits

(The Malaysian Insider) – Last night, Yahya Shahri, the suspended special officer to Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, resigned in a huff. Yahya told an impromptu gathering of supporters in Shah Alam that he quit with immediate effect from the MB’s office as well as Selangor secretary of Parti Keadilan Rakyat in reaction to his two-month suspension announced a day earlier.

His reputation is under a cloud following the action taken by the menteri besar to facilitate investigations into alleged corrupt practices by the Anti-Corruption Agency. Khalid said Yahya had been informed of the action through short messaging service in order “spare the officer the shock when the (suspension) letter is delivered".

Obviously, Yahya is unhappy with his suspension, declaring that he had lost confidence in the menteri besar. He also called for Khalid to step down as the PKR boss for Selangor and wants party advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take over. He told Malaysiakini that he would be meeting Anwar this afternoon after speaking to and conveying his quit decision to PKR president and Anwar’s wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail yesterday.

Khalid had told reporters the decision to suspend Yahya was made following allegations of improper conduct. Yahya was said to have issued recommendations for four companies to obtain contracts from local authorities in Selangor. The Selangor MB explained that he had to maintain transparency and integrity in agreement with PKR’s partners in Pakatan Rakyat – PAS and DAP.

"We are sincere. We want to do it right. If the officer is not guilty, he will be called back to work. We will take appropriate action if the officer is found guilty," he added. He had instructed his political secretary to obtain more information from PKR members who made the allegations.

Yahya's supporters had gathered in protest against the suspension at Khalid's official Shah Alam residence yesterday but left after a short while, proceeding to Yahya's house also in Shah Alam.

**************************************************************

There appears to be a lot of grumblings and unhappiness in the way PKR is managing things. This is a far departure from the way PAS is running Perak or DAP, Penang, which has received mostly praises. From Day One, many sceptics have expressed reservations about PKR and Tan Sri Khalid. They point out to the fact that PKR has inherited ‘Umno culture’ while Khalid, ‘a product of Umno cronyism’, has a lot of ‘baggage’ to his name.

Of course, there are many ex-Umno personalities in PKR, Anwar Ibrahim included. But PKR is not all ex-Umno, I would argue in reply to the critics. And Khalid may be a product of Umno cronyism during his corporate days. But we must not judge him by his Umno past. We have to look at his present track record to come to a conclusion as to whether he has shed his ‘evil ways’ or whether the old habits are still very strongly entrenched in the way he does things.

While no one appears to have any misgivings about the PAS or DAP Chief Minister/Menteri Besar or State EXCO Members, the jury is out on the PKR crowd. People would rather treat the PKR personalities with suspect until they prove themselves otherwise. In other words, they are assumed guilty until proven innocent. And this is most unfortunate indeed because there are many PKR Members of Parliament, State Assemblymen and office bearers who are not only NOT ex-Umno but are sincerely doing a good job, if not comparable, better than the PAS and DAP people -- in particular the women of PKR who not only work hard but have gone through a lot of sacrifices in pursuit of their ideals.

But is there not a Malay proverb that goes: one buffalo brings mud and the entire herd gets muddy? So all it needs is one muddy buffalo to muddy the entire herd. And this is the dilemma facing PKR. And the actions of people such as the PKR State Assemblyman for Port Kelang only adds fuel to the fire and make things worse.

This particular PKR State Assemblyman from Port Kelang is MIA (missing in action). He has of course been seen all over the place but it is mostly when he is frolicking with the Umno people, eating and drinking at various expensive restaurants. While the DAP Member of Parliament for Port Kelang, Charles Santiago, and the DAP State Assemblyman for Pandamaran (also under the Port Kelang Parliamentary constituency), Ronnie Liu, work they butts off, the PKR State Assemblyman for Port Kelang parties with Umno people all night long.

Yes, one PKR buffalo from Port Kelang muddies the entire PKR herd of buffaloes. Never mind that the other 30 PKR Selangor buffaloes are clean and are doing a great job. It is what this one delinquent buffalo does that gets noticed, not what the other 30 good buffaloes do that matters.

And this is what PKR must guard against. As it stands now, public opinion is not in PKR’s favour. It has to work doubly-hard and stay doubly-clean compared to PAS and DAP. In spite of that, people will still look at PKR with suspicion in their eyes and reservations in their hearts. And one muddy buffalo is all it needs for people to say, “Ah, I told you, the PKR people are all crooks!”

The latest controversy involving Yahya Shahri, added to the MIA Port Kelang State Assemblyman, does not augur well for PKR. PKR already has to run twice as fast just to stay in pace with PAS and DAP. Falling behind PAS and DAP certainly does not help PKR one bit.

And why has the Port Kelang State Assemblyman not been taken to task? And why must Yahya resign in protest and instigate his supporters to demonstrate? Yahya should have welcomed the move to suspend him for two months until his name is cleared. This will give an impression that he is not taking things personally and has nothing to hide and that he only has the interest of the party’s image at heart. Now it appears like he only cares about himself and not about the party, like a true ex-Umno person.

Khalid, too, appears to be running around in circles. He makes snap announcements in a popularity exercise and then retracts them later when he discovers that it can’t be done after all due to legislation limitations or contractual obligations. This only strengthens the perception that PKR has absolutely no experience in running governments and that their policies are not thought through carefully before the announcements are made. Are a bunch of amateurs in charge of the Selangor government? We would like to believe not, but it is getting harder and harder to believe that this is not so.

PAS is also compounding the problem. They forget that they are just a member of the opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat, and are not the federal government or the absolute government in the states, in particular Selangor. What’s with this protest against the ‘sexy’ singers? If aurat is such a big issue, then they should also protest against the football match. The 22 footballers will be wearing shorts, which means that their aurat is uncovered. Why protest against two female singers who reveal too much flesh but ignore the 22 male footballers who also reveal too much?

It appears like these PAS people are discriminating against women. If women reveal too much flesh, then PAS gets all excited. But men are allowed to violate the Islamic rule by revealing too much flesh. That is not a problem. Should not rules apply to everyone, men as well as women? Why are only women targeted for reprisals whereas men get away with whatever they want to do?

Two days ago, a policeman at Putra Heights raped an underage girl. The girl was not sexily dressed. She was not even a criminal but a mere pillion rider. But she was detained and taken to the police station and raped. Why has PAS kept silent on this matter? Where is that massive demonstration to protest police officers raping underage girls? Is fighting with the Sultan of Selangor over whether female singers not dressed like Arabian Bedouins should be permitted to sing in public more important than an underage girl being raped by a policeman?

And all this talk about Islamising the country is frightening the voters. Pakatan Rakyat did not come into office because of just PAS members’ votes. Many non-PAS members -- Malays, Chinese and Indians included -- voted for Pakatan Rakyat. But they did not vote in favour of an Islamic State. They voted in favour of seeing a strong opposition and possibly a two-party system finally emerging in Malaysia after 51 years of Umno domination.

Yes, the voters voted in favour of Pakatan Rakyat, not in favour of PAS. PAS just happens to be a member of Pakatan Rakyat, that’s all. So PAS must do things with the interest of Pakatan Rakyat at heart, not in the interest of its own party. Is this something so hard to understand? Five years is not that long. See what happened in 2004 compared to 1999. 2012/2013 may see a reversal of the 2008 success just like 2004 was the reversal of 1999 if PAS and PKR are not careful. And thus far PAS and PKR have not offered the voters any reason to vote them back into office come the next election.

Guan Eng: Equal treatment for all major religions

Sunday June 22, 2008 MYT 6:05:02 PM
Guan Eng: Equal treatment for all major religions
By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM

GEORGE TOWN: Penang will allocate state funds fairly to all major religions to ensure no religion is discriminated against or marginalised, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

He said the state government would treat all religions equally.

“We have also formed an inter-religious council called Majlis Silaturahim to promote goodwill and understanding among all religions,” he told newsmen after opening the National Maha Sanghika Dana 2008 at Penang International Sports Arena here on Sunday.

The event is organised annually by the Malaysian Buddhist Youth Foundation to provide a platform for devotees to do good deeds.

"All religions are equal according to Buddhist teaching,” he said. He also reiterated that Penang would not become an Islamic state. “Islam is the official religion of the country, but the freedom to worship other religions is enshrined in our Federal Constitution.

“Nobody can take away this freedom and this right must be enjoyed by all of us forever,” he added.

Lim noted that Buddhism, with 370 million followers, was the fourth largest religion in the world after Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.

Earlier at another function, he said the state government was promoting the “Faith, Hope and Love” concept to restore lost trust, to give hope to future generations and to create a loving environment.

“We want to restore the lost trust among the people. Government that comes from the people should serve the people.

“We also want to give hope to the young generation that there is a future in Penang where there will be equal opportunity for all to benefit from the growing economy,” he said.

Lim also said there was a lack of “love” in the state.

“People who do not have the loving spirit will be selfish and uncivilised,” he said.

The state was keen on promoting the loving culture to create a cohesive and harmonious society, he said after flagging off a convoy of luxury cars participating in an overland trip to Bangkok.

The event was organised by the Lions Club of Bayan Baru.

The real challenge is to root out bad hats

2008/06/18 100 days in office: The real challenge is to root out bad hats By : Sharanjit Singh

Penang's new Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng talks to SHARANJIT SINGH about his first three months.

Q: What has the state government achieved so far?

A: We have achieved much since we took over. We started off by:

- cancelling summonses issued before March 8;

- implementing open tenders, subject to the provision that all projects below RM200,000 would be limited to Class F contractors by rotation;
- a new land reform policy that allows people to take back ownership of their land;

- cutting down on expenses by cancelling orders for new cars, saving us over RM600,000; and

- cutting down on travelling cost of state government officials, for example taking economy class flights, deluxe rooms instead of suites and holding functions at government complexes. We also cater food from small entrepreneurs to give them a chance to earn some money.

We have asked the Welfare Department to distribute disaster relief to victims within 24 hours of any fire or flood. We have also given free rice to the poor for the first time and we are going to give some 100,000 households RM100 each as a one-off payment to help them after the fuel price increase.

It is going to cost the state RM10 million. The crime rate in Penang has also dropped by two per cent in the first five months compared with last year.

Q: How has life changed for you?

A: Well, it is now easier to get journalists to cover my press conferences. I also don't have much opportunity to go out for a drink nowadays. First of all, it makes me tired and then there is the issue of sensitivity. It is difficult and not nice to deal with civil servants with alcohol on your breath the next day. I have become very dull and boring... no time for football or golf, also.

Q: What are some of the major challenges you have faced?

A: There have been many, right from the start. We faced challenges when we announced that we were going for the open tender system. When we managed to get investors to come here, we were also challenged.

Q: How are you dealing with the high expectations that people have of you?

A: It is something we have to deal with, but we have to work within parameters. The civil service has to adjust to us just as we have to adjust to them. The real challenge is to root out the bad hats. This is a process of transition, adjustment, accommodation so that we can move as one team to forge ahead.

Q: What is the financial status of the state government?

A: We have some money as we have been implementing cost-cutting measures. It has helped as it goes right down to the civil service. The financial situation is a bit better than before. I think we will be able to reduce the RM35 million budget deficit.

Q: How much do you depend on federal funds?

A: We hope they will continue to commit funds to us. We can manage on our own, but without federal funding, it will make life tougher. We have to find a way... life always finds a way and Penangites, too, will find a way.

Q: There is the perception that the Pakatan Rakyat state government is still operating with an opposition mentality and critics say you are looking for cheap publicity. What do you have to say about this?

A: How can anyone say publicity about the state government is cheap publicity? The yardstick to measure cheap publicity is whether the announcements we make are for the benefit of the people. If you say I seek cheap publicity, then I would be holding press conferences non-stop.

Whenever I issue statements, it is always because you reporters ask me to respond to certain things. After you write it, you come here and tell me I am seeking cheap publicity... this is not right. Please lah... I help you (journalists) to carry out your duties and now you accuse me. You cannot expect me to keep quiet when it concerns issues that matter to the people.

Q: There have been a lot of accusations about land irregularities. What is happening?

A: There was an investigation by my deputy (deputy chief minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin). He will be submitting a report on July 1. The Anti-Corruption Agency has also conducted an investigation and they found no evidence.

We are not happy with the ACA findings. It (land irregularities) has caused heavy losses to this administration. We are wondering why all these excesses happened. Some cases are already in court... it will take time, but ultimately everyone will know.

Q: You have been talking about the C.A.T. (competency, accountability and transparency) governance system. How has it been translated into action?

A: We are the first government to implement principles of C.A.T. - which are actually international norms. We have chosen the best to ensure we can be on top of the rest, regardless of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. That is why we are willing to chose people from across the political divide. We are not asking you to abandon your political party or leave it. We are just asking you to serve the people.

It is being done in the West, for example in the United States. Whether you are a Republican or Democrat, if you are selected to serve, you just do it. I don't know if we will succeed, but I would rather fail trying than fail to try.

Q: Some big development projects were approved by the previous state government despite objections and claims of irregularities by some non-governmental organisations. You have said that you sympathise with the NGOs, but your hands are tied. How do you reconcile these concerns with your apparent helplessness about these projects?

A: The NGOs had sent their objections to the Appeals Board, but later withdrew their complaint. So no irregularities were proven. They also did not lodge a police report. When I asked to look into the files to check if there were irregularities... nothing.

I can only review the project if there is evidence of mala fide. On the rezoning of the Penang Global City Centre project, if you cannot prove mala fide, it is also going to cost us a lot. As much as we would like to do some things, we are also bound by the legal questions. We have to work within the legal framework. It is going to cost the people of Penang.

Q: What is the status of projects like the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) and other infrastructure projects like the monorail?

A: The Federal Government has promised many projects for Penang and we are still waiting. However, PORR is not on the table right now due to unresolved issues between the Federal Government and a company that was involved in the project. As for the monorail, it is also a federal project and we have to wait for them to deliver it to us.

Q: How are you addressing the public transport issues?

A: Public transport takes time as we need to have the necessary permits which come under the Federal Government, but we are trying to work out ways to reduce congestion.

Petronas Bosses "Living Like Kings"

Malaysia Politician: Petronas Bosses "Living Like Kings"

6-17-08

PENANG, Malaysia (AFP)--The chief minister of Malaysia's Penang state has accused the bosses of national energy firm Petronas of "living like kings" while the public is forced to pay higher fuel prices.

Lim Guan Eng, whose Democratic Action Party seized control of the island state, a major technology and manufacturing hub, in March general elections, called on Petronas to reveal all details of its revenues and expenses.

"They should stop behaving like kings who feel they are not accountable to anyone but themselves," he told reporters.

"They have private jets - we want to know how many. They have luxury cars - we want to know how many," he said.

"Petronas must also tell the people how much money it is spending on sponsorship," he said, accusing it of spending millions on supporting orchestras and international events.

Lim dismissed the firm's recent decision to issue a report on its finances, saying it would be too general and only pay lip-service to demands for more accountability.

"It will not throw any light on how their expenses were accounted for," he said.

Lim said Petronas should realize there is growing public anger against it following a recent 41% fuel price hike by the government which has triggered a series of street protests.

The opposition has condemned the price rise, saying that as a net exporter of oil, Malaysia should not have to withdraw fuel subsidies so steeply.

Dow Jones Newswires
06-17-080708ET

Wednesday June 18, 2008

Guan Eng’s vision for Penang

WHEN the Opposition swept into power in Penang in the March 8 general election, no one was more surprised than DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng who had led the election campaign in the state.

Three days later, Lim, a qualified accountant from Malacca, was sworn in as Penang’s fourth Chief Minister.

Today in Penang's history: Lim describes his government as a new political and social experiment to prove that a clean government is possible and at the same time, allow people to share in the prosperity.

The new chief executive has introduced some populist measures and claimed to be the first to implement the CAT (competency, accountability, transparency) policy in the country.

In an interview in conjunction with his 100 days in office, Lim described his CAT government as a new political and social experiment to prove that a clean government is possible and at the same time, allow people to share in the prosperity.

He also answers questions by The Star readers on what he has achieved to date and his plans for Penang to regain its lustre and lead again.

The following are excerpts from the interview.

Q: What are your administration’s achievements since coming into power? (Kenneth Khoo, Penang)

A: Among the things we have done are cancelling all summonses issued before March 8, implementing an open tender system for government contracts and introducing a new land reform policy that allows the people to take back ownership of the land.

We have cut down the state’s expenses by cancelling the order for new cars valued at over RM600,000 and also instructed government departments and officers to cut cost when travelling.

For example, they should fly economy instead of business class and take a deluxe room instead of a suite, which they are entitled to. When holding government functions, we do it in government complexes and have cooked food that is catered so that small-time businesses can earn some money.

We do all this belt tightening so that we can channel back the savings to the rakyat.

I feel that there is not enough of “caring” so we want to take the first step. The people should have a renewal of faith in the government that represents them and there should be hope for the future and love for each other as Malaysians.

Our future is here – good or bad. We have faced lots of challenges, especially when trying to push for the open tender. When we made efforts to attract foreign investors, we were also challenged.

One company wanted to invest billions and billions of ringgit here but because of some irresponsible opposition party’s statement about the Second Bridge being cancelled, they decided against it. We are still trying to convince them but it is not easy.

We can have good governance in Penang because we have good people.

A government is as good as its people. We want to allow them to reclaim ownership in this government – we want their voices to be heard and for them to participate in making decisions which are made for their benefit and not for any private gain.

Q: It is really a heartache to see Penang lagging a century behind Singapore where at one time we were ahead. Will we be able to lead again? (Tan the Penangite)

A: How to reverse that is to make Penang dynamic again and we will focus on our core competencies. In terms of the manufacturing sector, that means leveraging on brainpower, superior skills, superior supply and superior chain network.

Another area is tourism. There are eight key thrusts we want to focus on.

This effort to promote tourism is different from the previous administration which did not have focus, sustainable effort or icons. What are the icons they have built for Penang?

To promote Penang, we should have a list of “Top 10” products to recommend to tourists – we must have products from the native communities – a few items from the Chinese, Indian and Malay community each. For example – nutmeg, coffee, pottery and traditional biscuits – these can help generate income and promote Penang.

Q: Your policy to convert leasehold land to freehold may be popular among the people but won’t it hamper future development by the state government? (Cheah, Kuala Lumpur)

A: It’s only residential, not commercial and not industrial. What we are doing is returning land to the people. That is why we do not allow Penang state leaders to apply.

Q: What do you hope to achieve with CAT (competency, accountability, transparency) policy? (Mohd Anwar, Penang)

A: We believe we should have a new political paradigm – a new course where we choose the best and the brightest. But when we did that, we were criticised heavily because they said that you should have greater loyalty to your party – you cannot serve the government, you cannot have both feet in two different boats but what I say is which is a higher loyalty?

Loyalty to the country and to the people or loyalty to your own political party? We are not asking you to leave or abandon your political party but to serve the people and if that can be done in the West – for example in the US whether you are Republican or Democrat, if you are selected to serve, you still serve – that is the norm internationally but in Malaysia it is seen as abnormal.

Finally, we believe in the people. We believe that the election results show that the people want to reclaim their ownership in the government. And this government belongs to them. We must let them decide and work for their own benefit – not our own benefit.

But in regard to the land scam, we cannot give all juicy details now because of legal issues, but you can see how frightened the previous administration is – they refuse to even see me and talk about it. –

Q: Your exco members are required to declare their assets but this has yet to be done. (Cheng Heng Tan)

A: We wanted to but the Prime Minister’s Department communicated to my state secretary that they wanted uniformity. And since we want to maintain good federal relations, we are waiting for them to send us the new forms because we also want to declare openly.

Q: How does the state plan to lessen the burden of the people in light of the price increases? (Clement Chiang)

A: Actually this is the Federal Government’s responsibility. They should be cleaning up the mess – after all, they control Petronas. With the fuel increase, they have windfall profits, which should be distributed among low and middle-income owners.

Having said that, while we detest the unwillingness to share Petronas profits, we also rap Petronas for willing to indulge in extravagant expenses like buying private jets and sponsoring the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (which is only Malaysian in name) and throwing extravagant functions which are a waste of money.

They spent RM500mil in 10 years on an orchestra which is 90% made up of foreigners. What is the point of the private jets and helicopter? If it is to conduct oil explorations, it is all right but this is for the comfort of their executives. Why can’t they fly with MAS and let the national carrier earn some profits instead of wasting more than RM100mil on the jet?

Back to Penang – we don’t have much money but we want to show that we remember the people and know what they are going through. That is why I announced that I want to give at least 100,000 families at least RM100 each. This will cost the State Government at least RM10mil.

Q: How do you plan on tackling the traffic congestion problem in the state? (Nyak Cheek)

A: It is not only the traffic congestion, we have to deal with the three Cs – congestion, cleanliness and crime.

We are looking at reintroducing the “Central Area Transportation” buses to make the city more accessible. More importantly, the Federal Government has promised us the monorail and we have to work around it.

When it comes to cleanliness – Penang hawkers themselves are among the main problems and I will come down hard on them at the risk of being unpopular because tourists will only come back when the state is clean again.

On the crime rate, it is heartening to note that for the first five months of the year, it dropped by over 2% compared to last year.

However, this is not enough. We need to have a “Safe Penang” – we have to do much more. We have the plans and we will announce these in the coming weeks.

Q: Does your flying economy class really work in terms of a significant and practical cost-saving measure? (Selvi, Bagan Ajam)

A: It is very tiring and I get a migraine but we must send a message that we must save and the only way to do it is leadership by example. If I could do it in the past, why not now? You are using the people’s money, you should treat it as your own.

Q: The Perak Mentri Besar and DAP leader got their Datukship very fast after assuming power. What is your stand on this as you yourself will be recommending titles. (Jeff Cheah, Penang)

A: I will not be accepting or awarding myself titles. As for the Perak Mentri Besar's title, it was decided by the Sultan, so that’s in a different context and I think they can explain themselves. I am only responsible for my own state and will not be accepting any titles.

Q: During the elections, PAS did not mention anything about an Islamic state because they wanted the non-Muslim votes but now as we approach the 100 days, the PAS Youth chief has started talking about implementing Syariah laws. You have come out to say that it is never going to happen in Penang. Can you elaborate on that? (Simon)

A: It is a non-issue. PAS Penang has not even raised that issue. Even talk about wanting to ban the 4D outlets – it is not going to happen. You want me to reduce the number of draws maybe because you may find that there are too many draws but close down? No way! These are just voices on the margin. I think we should ignore them.

Q: Do you think a single term is enough for you to fulfil all your promises in the manifesto? (A. Hishamuddin A. Bakar)

A: Even two terms is not enough.

Q: How do you address the problems of Malays being marginalised in the development of the state? (Mohd Azlan Abdul Majid)

A: One of the first things I did when I came into power was to increase the allowances of religious teachers by RM600 a year. But let’s not talk of race. We want equal opportunities for all. Once we start talking about race, we fall into Umno’s political trap.

On the state’s financial situation

We can manage on our own but without the Federal Government funding promised, it will make things tougher but like I said, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. We have to find a way.

Life finds a way and Penangites will find a way. We are sure that the Federal Government is mature and will respect the decision of the voters. As I have said before, I respect Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as my Prime Minister just as I hope that he will respect me as his Chief Minister being anak negri Pulau Pinang.

On development

We will assess any development plans and hear views and suggestions but they must be sustainable eco-development but at the moment none. I may not agree with your views but I will listen. Same like PGCC – I won’t say that I reject you outright so that you won’t even bother to submit your plans – no – submit and let us decide, approve and vet it on its merits.

On mega infrastructure projects

Those promised to us like the monorail, we are still awaiting word from the Federal Government.

The Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) is up in the air because the compensation demanded by the company is too high even for the Federal Government to stomach.

I think PORR for the moment doesn’t seem to be on the table. What we want is a project that will alleviate traffic congestion at a minimal cost to Penang.

His thoughts on being CM

Nothing is ever as easy as we think. Being a mother or a father is the same. That is life. As long as we have the perseverance and commitment towards a certain objective, we can prevail – most important thing is the team around us.

On how his life has changed

It is easier to ask you all (the media) to come to my press conference and nowadays, I don’t have much opportunity to have social drinking because it makes me tired and since I deal a lot with civil servants (many are women). I don’t want to offend them because alcohol breath is not that pleasant – tak manis. I have stopped drinking since March 8.

But I am not a heavy drinker so it doesn’t really matter. Nowadays I am dull and boring company. No time for football and no time for golf also. My working hours are the same – 24/7.

On his family

Do I miss my wife? She misses me (laughs). I see my children only when I come back. When I get home they are sleeping, when I leave, they are still sleeping.

On whether the ongoing feud between the previous and new administration has affected investment

So far it has not been affected. People are still showing interest. What is important is that we show our commitment and sincerity towards delivery.

I think we have shown to them that we can deliver.

One of the companies that came was actually looking at another site in Malaysia, and was thinking of choosing that site after the elections but finally after meeting us, it decided not only to come to Penang but also to increase its investment by 50%. That says a lot.

If foreign investors are making us their choice destination, local investors should also have the same confidence by investing in Penang.

So as I said, when you talk about these efforts, it is the combined efforts of all people from Penang.

Get on with job, voters demand

Get on with job, voters demand
17 June, 2008

TOMORROW marks the 100th day of the new state government, led by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng. How has Penang fared and where's the direction?

NEW STRAITS TIMES

The DAP-Parti Keadilan Rakyat state government has been basking in glory and is still in high spirits since taking over Penang after the March 8 elections.

And who can blame the opposition pact for its joy.

It has after all been relatively smooth sailing for the partners.

The only foe they will face in the state legislative assembly are 11 Umno representatives, who are still coming to terms with being the opposition. Gerakan, the MCA and MIC have all been reduced to playing bit roles now that they are completely out of the assembly.

Unlike some other Pakatan Rakyat and even Barisan Nasional-held states, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng could not have asked for a better start when his predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon handed over power without any drama once the election results were known.

That there is anticipation of a better Penang since the new state government was formed is undeniable. The people have been closely scrutinising developments since the two opposition parties took over.

Realising the high expectations of an electorate that had been so riled with the previous administration, Lim's administration started off by trying to discredit what Gerakan had done in the 18 years it was in power.

He pulled no punches in attacking Koh's administration, starting off with alleged land scams, which Lim claimed had cost the state millions of ringgit in losses, then moving to the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project, which the state government revealed had never been approved.

Even the wives of former assemblymen were not spared when they were accused of not following the correct procedures in dissolving Pertubuhan Bunga Tanjung and transferring RM350,000 from its coffers into the account of the Association of Wives of Ministers and Deputy Ministers (Bakti).

The attacks initially generated much excitement among the people ever eager to digest juicy news, but the accusations and counter response from Koh's side reached a point where people are beginning to question the point of it all.

Political observers question the motive of bringing up the issues over and over again. Interestingly, the state has not lodged a single report to back its allegations of abuse or criminal breach of trust.

"It is time the state government get on with governing Penang and taking it to greater heights instead of harping on past events," a long-time resident, Pravind Balram, said.

He said the state government should lodge reports with relevant agencies like the Anti-Corruption Agency instead of continuously bringing the matter up in the press and issuing threats to former elected representatives.

However, it has to be noted that the state government, mindful that it is being watched closely, has initiated reforms by introducing several firsts.

The appointment of an Indian deputy chief minister in Professor Dr P. Ramasamy has been well received.

Lim has also been highlighting his non-racial, non-religious approach by attending religious functions of all races, including the recent state-level Maulidur Rasul celebrations.

These moves and Lim's constant mantra that the state government was committed to doing things the unconventional way based on its principles of competency, accountability and transparency have certainly won him much admiration.

Even Muslim non-governmental organisations have expressed support for the state government's call for transparency in implementing the New Economic Policy.

Other popular measures include a directive barring DAP elected representatives from applying for state land, a one-off waiver of summonses and compound notices for illegal hawking and traffic offences, cancellation of orders for new cars for state executive council members and the establishment of an inter-religious goodwill council.

However, the latest move to allow for the conversion of leasehold land to freehold status has won the state government its greatest praise from all quarters.

Even its staunchest critics have admitted that it is going to be difficult for BN to unseat the opposition pact if it continues to introduce such people-friendly policies.

100 days gone, are we satisfied?

100 days gone, are we satisfied?
16 June, 2008

We have reached the first 100 days of the political tsunami spawned by Election 2008 on March 8. Over the course of the week The Malaysian Insider will run a series of reports to give an overview of what has happened and to help make sense of the new Malaysia that has evolved. We kick off with Khoo Kay Peng's observations on politics not-as-usual in the country.

Although it was the second time the ruling coalition lost its two-third parliamentary majority, it was the first time the results were received peacefully and calmly. Voters, regardless of race and creed, wanted more or less the same thing – good governance.

However, post-elections Malaysia offers more unpredictability than assurance. Since then, several Opposition parties have formalised their working relationship by forming a new coalition. The newly-minted Pakatan Rakyat heads the state governments of Kelantan, Penang, Kedah, Perak and Selangor.

Its de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has repeated his claims that there will be a change of power at the federal level, through defections, before the Sept 16 deadline. This has resulted in an uncertain political environment and put doubts in the Malaysian democratic process. Despite Anwar’s argument that the crossovers are permissible, any attempt to tinker with the election outcome is still undemocratic. Moreover public resources, e.g. oil royalty, have been used as the biggest inducement.

Sept 16 or Malaysia Day is a symbolic date to the elected policy makers in Sabah and Sarawak Anwar is trying to lure over to his coalition. Both Sabah and Sarawak joined the federation on that day in 1963. Ironically, this date is not officially celebrated as a public holiday in Malaysia.

Anwar’s claims have since fueled intense political negotiations between the peninsula-centric BN and their colleagues in both Sabah and Sarawak. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi met up with BN parliamentarians in Sabah and announced a number of special development allocations for the state. Some of them were not impressed and wanted the federal government to do more to address the illegal immigrants’ issue and the marginalisation of Sabah from mainstream politics.

In the last 100 days, the political situation in Sabah and Sarawak has kept many guessing and the tension is expected to persist if their immediate requests and demands are not met. At present, both Sabah and Sarawak are the bulwarks of BN’s hold on federal power.

In an immediate reaction to the hefty loss of popular votes in peninsular Malaysia, Abdullah recalled a few credible Umno leaders into his Cabinet notably Datuk Zaid Ibrahim and Datuk Shahrir Samad. De facto Law Minister Zaid has announced his commitment to restore judicial credibility by promising key Constitutional amendments to restore its original position in the Constitution.

Through his recommendation, the government restored full gratuity payments to all judges sacked in the 1988 judicial crisis, but fell short of an outright apology. The government is widely expected to act according to the recommendations made by the Royal Commission which investigated the V.K. Lingam video clip.

The premier has vowed to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Agency. He is expected to approve a higher allocation to the agency to recruit more manpower to tackle a backload of cases and strengthen its enforcement.

During the first Parliament sitting, he announced that all MPs, including the Opposition, will be given an annual development allocation of RM500,000. This move is yet to be duplicated by state governments ruled by the Pakatan Rakyat.

Unfortunately, Abdullah’s reform initiatives are seen as attempts to try to resurrect his fading leadership. Just like his recent decision to scale down fuel subsidies, the move was severely criticised by several BN leaders and the Opposition. A top Opposition leader called this move his Waterloo and suggested that it will speed up the downfall of Abdullah.

There is nothing wrong in Abdullah’s efforts to reverse his administrative fortune. However, he should realise by now that he ought to muster enough support from his BN colleagues to strengthen his efforts. In the last 100 days, Abdullah did not focus enough attention on regrouping his component partners in BN.

Challenges from within Umno, especially from his chief critic Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, are sapping away his energy and ability to focus on other more pertinent issues such as rising inflation, potential global economic slowdown and most pertinently the consolidation of the BN.

Abdullah is learning the hard way that any of his moves will be met with strong opposition if he does not reach out to include leaders of other component parties to support his reform initiatives. For the first time, top leaders of his senior component members are not sitting in his cabinet. He cannot afford to project BN as simply Umno-run and dominated at a time when the coalition is finding it hard to lure support from other minorities in the PR-led states.

Without the support and participation from other component parties, his political opponents will wait to pounce on him at any available opportunity with the aim of wresting power from his government.

From the first 100 days of his new term, Abdullah should realise that any half-hearted initiative is better left on the back burner. Any reform initiative which requires a change of personal habit or mindset must come with a proper implementation plan. A top BN leader said his coalition is facing a credibility gap. This is an accurate observation. As such, a proper plan and a thoroughly thought through implementation process will go a long way to help bridge such a credibility gap.

For example, the government should refrain from making populist moves to curb public sector expenses when the cuts announced, such as a 10 percent reduction in the personal allowance to ministers and deputy ministers, were so insignificant. He must show enough grit and political will to tackle the big issues such as curbing corruption, ending preferential policies which can be easily manipulated, streamlining his bureaucracy by focusing on efficiency and review all non-productive projects.

If the premier does not pull up his socks now, chances are his reform initiatives may even backfire on him. Announcing his leadership transition plan in the first 100 days may help to take some political pressure off his back but he must not lose sight of the larger picture in making the reforms work and in ensuring that these reforms will continue to progress even after the leadership transition.

A leadership transition alone cannot assure that the Barisan Nasional, since its inception in 1974, can ward off a possibility of disintegrating if members of the coalition were to lose faith in its viability.

It is obvious that BN is at a crossroads. Its mandate to rule is also its burden. BN has been very inconsistent in its attempts to reach out to its supporters in the PR-led states. Political contestations between the state and federal governments will end up with BN at the losing end.

The federal government’s decision not to channel funds needed for state tourism promotion and entrepreneur development directly to the PR-led States was a myopic one. In the end, it might provide a good justification for these state governments to blame the federal government for their failure to develop and manage their states well.

Over the last 100 days, these state governments have been doing precisely that by highlighting and harping on past abuses and mismanagement. The governments of Penang and Selangor are in the process of building up cases against several ex-administrators and policy makers for their involvement in land scams. If these cases are proven in court, BN’s chances to wrest back power in these states at the next general elections will be severely dented.

For a start, some PR states have announced the granting of permanent land titles to individual farmers. This is a good move to ensure that lands meant for agriculture use are not converted for housing and commercial developments. Penang has decided to gazette its more than 12,000 acres of padi fields to promote food security.

These state governments have made several social contributions and handouts to the poor in order to offset rising inflation and food prices. Selangor has gone a step further by announcing free water up to 20 cubic metres for all households. PKR and PAS, both members of the tripartite Pakatan Rakyat coalition, share a similar vision of creating a welfare state.

PR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to restore the fuel subsidies and bring down retail fuel prices if his coalition is able to wrest power from BN. His promise, although economically not viable in the long run, is very popular among common folk especially those from the lower income strata. Earlier, Anwar had promised to share up to 20 percent of oil royalty with oil-producing Sabah.

However, these equally populist moves are viewed with great suspicion by several pundits who are growingly uncomfortable with politicians using public resources as their political pawn. By providing free water or subsidised oil, it is impossible to promote prudence and appreciation of our shared finite resources. Instead, PR should help to promote a more viable, efficient and effective way of managing our scarce resources.

So far, some PR leaders may have scored a few brownie points from their actions e.g. refusing to buy new cars, furniture and computers or to fly business class. However, they must remember that this goodwill will eventually wear off and the real business of governing their states will start sooner than they thought.

Like the BN federal government, the PR-led state governments will have to grapple with rising inflation, slowing down of global economy, attracting new investments and facing up to serious socio-economic bottlenecks.

At the end of the 100-day honeymoon period, the PR should tone down its political rhetoric and start acting like a serious government responsible for the well-being of five states including four of the most developed ones in Malaysia.

The previous 100 days have given them a head start over the sluggish and battered BN but to survive and thrive over the next four years, the PR cannot count on the failure and mistakes of the BN alone to take them through.

Like I have said previously, all Malaysian voters want the same thing – good governance. Until and unless this is delivered, both BN and PR cannot rest on their laurels and take the mandate given for granted.

Khoo Kay Peng is a corporate consultant and an independent political analyst.

Penang land scams to be made public soon

Penang land scams to be made public soon
14 June, 2008
By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM, The Star

GEORGE TOWN: A report on alleged land scams in the previous state administration will be submitted to the state executive council in the first week of July.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said they would make public the findings as former deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rashid Abdullah had failed to give an explanation before the April 28 deadline.

“Deputy Chief Minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin who is leading the investigation will table the findings during the first exco meeting of July,” he told newsmen.

Abdul Rashid had earlier challenged Lim to expose the alleged discrepancies, complete with specific details including lot numbers, locations and names of landowners.

Lim also said the state was mulling over the possibility of re-introducing free shuttle bus services to help ease hardship faced by the people because of the drastic increase in fuel price. He also announced that the state government would go ahead with the Penang Bridge Marathon in October, after the Hari Raya celebration.

On the proposed second bridge project, Lim said the state was of the opinion that the project should continue although the estimated cost increased from RM2.7bil to RM4.3bil.

Lim added that the construction of the second bridge was scheduled to be completed by 2011 and work on the pre cast beams was already 50% completed.

Free bus service for inner city

Free bus service for inner city
14 June, 2008

By : Audrey Dermawan, NST

GEORGE TOWN: The state government is looking at implementing the central area transport (CAT) system within the inner city here to ease the people's burden following the recent fuel price hike.

The system will take after the free shuttle bus service introduced by the previous Gerakan-led administration.

The shuttle service has been taken over by RapidPenang buses since last year.

The free shuttle bus service was started in 2001 and also covered tourist spots including Fort Cornwallis and Padang Kota Lama.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said a study was under way to determine the system's viability.

Speaking to reporters after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting yesterday, Lim said the government would also seek other ways to help the needy.

On the alleged land discrepancies by the previous administration, Lim said Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin would submit a report to the exco early next month.

On the status of the dysfunctional gas pipeline built across the Seberang Prai district, he said a high-powered committee comprising the secretaries-general of the relevant ministries was looking into the matter.

The gas pipeline was built by Petronas from Kuala Lumpur across Seberang Perai Selatan, Tengah and Utara.

It has long been completed but no gas was supplied.

The state government had claimed that a potential investment worth RM1 billion from Germany was lost as a result of the failure to supply the gas.

Thursday June 12, 2008 MYT 5:17:33 PM

Penang to Fed Govt: Explain 60% hike in bridge cost

By ANDREA FILMER

GEORGE TOWN: The cost of the second Penang Bridge has ballooned from RM2.7bil to RM4.5bil within a year and the state government wants an explanation.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said there was no reason for such a huge increase as the official rate of inflation in 2007 was around 2.3%.

“On one hand, the federal government says there is a 2% inflation rate, but at the same time they have allowed a 60% increase of about RM1.6bil for the second bridge.

“If the inflation rate is 2%, then the cost of the bridge should only rise by 2%, and if inflation is truly at 60%, then our salaries should be raised 60%,” Lim said after opening a building exhibition at the Penang International Sports Arena.

He said the federal government had to explain the steep increase in costs as Penangites would eventually have to bear the expense through toll rates.

When asked about the rising cost of raw materials such as steel, Lim said the producer price inflation was set at about 5% last year.

“The rise in the price of raw materials would also have been included when counting the inflation rate.”

On talk of Federal Government opening up the second Penang Bridge project for tender, Lim said he supported the move.

“The Penang government has always welcomed the idea of an open tender as it will produce the best and most competitive price for the second bridge. If the Federal Government plans to review the project and introduce an open tender, the state would be 100% behind the move,” he said.

The project was awarded last year to UEM World Bhd which formed a joint venture with China Harbour Engineering Co Ltd (CHEC) to build the second bridge.

Gov't approve higher cost for SECOND PENANG BRIDGE

Malaysia is one place which will absorb any price increase in building materials. If you can get a contract such as this, there is little to worry about. The profit is definite for the contractor. It is a different scenario for the taxpayers.
Take your sweet time to build. There's no need to worry about inflation. You still get the bridge users to pay you when they cross it years later.

Gov't approve higher cost for SECOND PENANG BRIDGE
10 June, 2008

Asia Pulse - The government has approved an increase in construction cost for the Second Penang Bridge but the mechanism and quantum are still to be discussed, according to UEM Builders Bhd's managing director Ridza Abdoh Salleh.

The increase above the original cost of RM4.3 billion (US$1.3 billion) was to reflect the escalation of costs due to rising prices of oil and building materials, he said at a press conference after the company's annual general meeting here Monday.

Ridza said preliminary work on the construction of the bridge had started and the project was on track to be completed as originally planned by 2011.

"The RM4.3 billion is what we estimated for the project. The government will allow for any price increase should there be any increase in the prices of materials," he said.

According to him, RM200 million has been committed for the construction cost.

UEM Group, the holding company of UEM Builders, was awarded by the government the contract for the construction of the 24-kilometre bridge connecting Penang to the mainland.

The project is being undertaken by UEM Builders in a joint venture with China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.

"We are working closely with China Harbour on this project," Ridza said.

He said it has been the company's strategy to forge alliances with partners, especially between developers and contractors.

In a volatile business environment, this strategy will help to address issues on risk management and guarantee on projects, Ridza said.

"This concept will help the company to win more projects and gain revenue," he said.

UEM Builders' chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Abu Bakar said the company was just eyeing tenders but also going for alliances, especially in overseas projects.

Its relationships included joint ventures with major property developer in India, he said during the press conference.

Under an aggressive five-year business plan, UEM Builders is targeting more overseas projects to achieve a balance between local and overseas projects, he added.

UEM Builders had succeeded in securing an order book of more than RM2.3 billion in its financial year 2007, with about 80 per cent from local projects and the balance from international projects.

Currently, its order book of current and potential projects stood at RM4.8 billion with 35 per cent from overseas, Abdul Rahim said.

UEM Builders, he said, expects to strengthen its position in India and the Middle East and was currently pursuing new construction and infrastructure projects in India, Singapore and Indonesia.

According to Ridza, there is potential, especially for projects in Singapore.

After having managed to secure projects worth RM25 million, there was potential to win bigger projects, he said.

Abdul Rahim said the company had been given a contract in Singapore for work on Sentosa Island.

He said the company was also in discussions for projects in Papua New Guinea.

UEM Builders completed its financial year ended Dec 31, 2007, on a strong note with a pre-tax profit of RM182.9 million compared to RM9 million in the previous year.

Press Release by the Former Political Secretary to the Former Chief Minister of Penang

GIVE DUE CREDIT TO PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT IN PROMOTING FDI

Recently, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has been publicising and claiming credit for two (2) high-profile foreign direct investments (FDI) into Penang from Japan’s Ibiden Co. Ltd (RM1.2 billion) and USA’s Honeywell (RM115.0 million).

Such publicity was obviously aimed at giving the impression that these investments are solely the result of the new state government’s efforts in investment promotion within a short span of the past two (2) months.

In fact, in each of these two (2) cases, the new Chief Minister hurriedly called a press conference to claim credit the day after MIDA Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur made the announcement in the presence of MIDA Director-General and MITI Minister respectively.

These announcements did not at all acknowledge the crucial roles the previous state government, under Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, played in convincing the investors to locate here, together with the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) and the Federal Treasury.

To set the record straight, the effort of the new government in the last two (2) months merely represented the final short phase of a long process of promotion and negotiation stretching back one (1) to two (2) years.

Multi-national companies always take time to assess economic feasibility, logistics, local supply chain and human resources, fiscal and tax incentives, etc. They compare and visit many localities in different countries before deciding. Convincing investors during this “due diligence” phase is the most challenging and crucial aspect of investment promotion.

In the case of Ibiden, the entire process took two (2) years as explained by Ibiden’s Executive Officer, Sotaro Ito, in the most recent press conference. MIDA and investPenang have been working hard to pursue Ibiden. Dr Koh himself personally visited Ibiden’s headquarters near Nagoya, Japan on 19 July 2007 and met with their top management to present a strong case for Penang. (see picture)

In Honeywell’s case, the process also took considerable time and effort. The decision to invest in Penang was actually made and reported in the U.S. press on 28 February this year. Besides MIDA and investPenang, some local Penang businessmen also played a key role in helping to convince Honeywell.

As such, it is only fair and proper that the new state government honestly give due credit to the previous state administration, as well as to MIDA and the Treasury for the work that they have done.

The new state government’s own real ability in attracting FDI can be better gauged in one to two years’ time. For now, they should not just ride on the previous government’s effort. Neither should they claim all the credit where credit is not due. At most, they merely added the finishing touch to a long and challenging process.

(Mark Ooi Swee Hing)

Snap election ploy to prevent crossovers, says Guan Eng

Snap election ploy to prevent crossovers, says Guan Eng

29-05-2008
by Regina William

PENANG: Chief Minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng claims that talk of snap elections appears to be a plan hatched by certain parties to prevent crossovers which could result in a change of government.

“Right after press reports that if there were a sufficient number of crossovers to form a new government, the Election Commission chairman (Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman) talks about snap elections.

“Why does Rashid have to talk about snap elections being held? This is a pre-emptive strike. I believe this is to prevent people from jumping over, so they are using the threat of snap elections to prevent people from doing so,” he alleged.

Lim said his question to Rashid was: who told him (Rashid) that there should be a snap election.

“When you talk about snap elections, it is the government of the day which has the power to call for snap elections and not the Election Commission. How do you know there is going to be snap elections? Does this mean you (EC) are no longer independent?” Lim said.

He also said in the event of a snap election being called, the Penang state government did not have to follow suit to dissolve the state legislative assembly.

“We can decide to have it, or not to have it as it is up to the state government to decide. However, Parliament is not within our jurisdiction and if called, we have no choice but to be ready for it,” Lim said.