DAP Secretary-General Sworn In As Penang CM

The DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng was sworn as Penang’s fourth chief minister today at the governor’s residence at Seri Mutiara. This is an historical event where the DAP have turning itself as opposition party to a ruling party in the party history.

When asked by reporter that whether he expects teething problem in his government as most of the elected representatives are fresh faces without much experience in government. The new CM replyed: “We have no experience in corruption and abuses of power either.”

The new CM said his administration will do away with the New Economic Policy (NEP) in favour of non-racially-based policies.

Amongst others, new plans for the state government include:

1) Attempt to restore local government elections. In the interim, the state government will review the current practice of picking political appointees as representatives in the municipal council. Professionals and representatives from NGOs will instead be appointed.

2) Adopt an investor-friendly policy and take active steps to attract local and foreign investments that create more high-paying jobs.

3) Review the incentive programmes to encourage the high-tech and manufacturing industries.

4) Introduce several strategic steps to culminate in a ‘brain gain’ effect.
Enact a Freedom of Information Act to allow full access to information that “does not harm public interest”.

5) Government procurement through open tender and priority to be given to Penang-incorporated contractors.

6) Look into the possibility of cancelling the toll collection at the Sungai Nyior plaza that has triggered public complaints.

7) Waive all compounds and summons for offences involving parking and hawker licence issued before March 11.