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Penang government cares

August 2011

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng with a baby.

Stories and Photos by Chan Lilian

IT started with the lamentations of some senior citizens who complained to Mr Lim Guan Eng when he became the Chief Minister of Penang in March 2008: Aiyah CM, we are old already, no one remembers us anymore. According to Mr Lim, These words played on my mind and I told myself, if there is a chance, the state wants to give hope and assurance that though others may forget you, the state always remember your contributions and wants to show an appreciation to you. Today, records shows that 120,095 senior citizens above 60 years old from Penang have registered with the Penang State Government Senior Citizens Appreciation Programme. They get RM100 each yearly and upon their death, the beneficiary they nominated gets a one-off RM1,000 donation for funeral expenses. One recipient told me her son asked her why she seems so excited and happy about getting the RM100 although she gets a lot more money from her children

every month. She asked her son how often does one get money from the government? Thats why it is so special Mr Lim shared in his speech. The happy occasion is when senior citizens receive money from the Penang state government or go to banks to collect their money. Meanwhile, another programme is sombre when the beneficiaries receive their RM1,000. Usually, they get the money with words of sympathies and condolences on the passing of their loved ones. Recently, several ceremonies were held around Penang to give away RM1,000 as an appreciation to the beneficiaries for taking care of their elders. John Gary Rangel whose father passed away a year ago is one of the recipients. He shared with the Buletin Mutiara about how his father who was in his 80s felt when he heard about the Senior Citizens Appreciation programme. My father was a reporter for several English media. He was so happy that the state appreciated his contributions when he registered for the programme, Joh said.

John felt a bit sad remembering his late father and recalled that his father had mentioned how elated he was that he could receive something back from the state government at his old age. Meanwhile, Shameen Farrita, who was at the cheque presentation ceremony with her mother, felt a tinge of sadness about her father who was a businessman. He said the appreciation programme is a good thing and he was happy to register. However, this noble and sincere gesture of appreciating senior citizens contributions are not shared by several Barisan Nasional leaders. In March 2010, Penang Gerakan chief Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan had accused the Penang state government of giving bribes to fish for votes. Giving money to ownself is corruption, but it is not corruption when giving money to the people. This goes to show that Teng Hock Nan has failed to see the difference between right and wrong. state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said to refute Tengs claim. TURN TO PAGE 6

Caring schemes for the elders, single mums and students

August 2011
Stories and Photos by Chan Lilian

PENANGITES are a happy lot because they now have a caring and compassionate state government which is peoplecentric and elderly-friendly. Since March 2008, when Mr Lim Guan Eng took over the Chief Minister of the state, Penangites are being showered with a lot of goodies, especially for the poor and elderly. One significant progamme is the Senior Citizen Appreciation scheme which enables all senior citizens 60 years and above to receive RM100 each per year, and a one-off RM1,000 donation for funeral expenses to their appointed beneficiary upon their passing. The single mothers and people with special needs are not left out, as each will also receive RM100 annually. The Guan Eng administration has also announced the award of RM1,000 each for all Penang students who are entering local public universities, whose monthly household income is below RM4,000. Previously, the amount given was RM500 and only for monthly household income of less than RM3,000. New parents have cause to smile over the good news that they will be given a one-off RM100 gift for the birth of babies under the Penang Golden Child programme (Program Anak Emas Pulau Pinang). Although this is just tiny amount from the Pakatan Rakyat State Government, it is to celebrate the birth of a newborn Penangite, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said when explaining the reason for the Penang Golden Child programme. The eligibility for the birthday gift is either one of the parents must be a Penangite, and the total household income must be less than RM4,000 per month. However, these benevolent programmes have come under attack by the leaders and supporters of the Barisan Nasional, with vicious claims and accusations, especially through its cybertroopers, who made snide remarks and implied that the programmes are a form of bribery for Penangites to vote the Pakatan Rakyat in the next election. Reacting to disparaging allegations, Mr Lim retorted: That is the Barisan Nasional. They are most afraid when Penangites start to question why they do not get anything under the previous state government, but now, under the Pakatan Rakyat administration, money is spent

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, MP Yusmadi Yusoff, YB Sim Tze Tzin and YB Phee Boon Poh.

on the people and for their benefits. Mr Lim said: The money comes from the Pakatan Rakyat State Governments frugal spending and savings. The previous state government ate the money, while the current PR Pakatan Rakyat state government gives money to the rakyat. The Pakatan Rakyat Penang State Government has gone down in the local history as the first state to be praised by Transparency International as the least corrupt. The Transparency International recognition of the anti- corruption efforts by the Penang State Government through its CAT (Competency, Accountability And Transparency) governance is backed up by savings of nearly 12% of the 2008 Penang state budget of RM36 million from operating expenditure. This RM36 million savings has allowed the state government to carry out social programs and implement its people-oriented government, Mr Lim said. According to the Transparency International, the Penang administration is the first Malaysian state government to implement the open tender system for

YB Dato Mansor Othman, Deputy Chief Minister I, YB Dato' Salleh Man, State Assemblyman and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

government procurement and contracts. A total of RM20 million per year is set aside for the Senior Citizen Appreciation programme. Although the Barisan Nasional has tried to sabotage the programme by claiming that the money is from gambling sources and other outrageous accusa-

tions, they have failed. Instead, the programme sees an increase in registration. As at mid-July 2011, 115,000 senior citizens or 87% of the Penang elders have registered. Meanwhile, the state expects to spend RM5 million to RM10 million on the Penang Golden Child programme.

Unsung heroes feted to the King of Fruits

By Chan Lilian

August 2011

AS far as food is concerned, among Penangites nothing beats a feast of durians. And what better way to pay tribute to the hardworking and productive staff members of the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) than a feast of the King of Fruits. And that is what the Penang State Government did. After he took office in March 2008, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng had said that the state appreciates all civil servants and would reward them when they perform well. And he has kept his promise. In July 2010, during the Penang Governors birthday celebration, 13 drain cleaners were awarded the PBS, perhaps the first time any state has given civil awards to the manual but valuable workers. Mr Lim said that these faithful and hardworking municipal workers were recognized for contributing to the wellbeing of Penangites, making living in the state a beautiful and happy experience. Their work of clearing and cleaning clogged drain to prevent flash floods, eliminating pest problems, sweeping the roads clean and other tasks, etc were much appreciated by a group of MPPP councillors who held a Durian Party to thank them.

Mohd Barak Abd Latiff has worked in the MPPP for 29 years and is seen enjoying the King of Fruits with Puvendran V.M. Rayan. Both gentlemen told the Buletin Mutiara: We are very happy, get to eat durians and can even bring some fruits back for our wives and children. This is the first time we get to enjoy such a feast at the MPPP. According to councillor Ong Ah Teong, the durian feast was just a small contribution from the councilors as they were inspired by Chief Minister Lim Guan Engs appreciation for the drain cleaners last year. The workers help our state to dispose 750 tonnes of rubbish daily in Penang island. They are the ones making sure there is no rodent infestation. They keep our state clean. So, we decided to treat them to durians as there is a bountiful harvest this year, Ong said. The majestic Penang City Hall was abuzz with people as there were 2,000 durians like Lipan, Khunpoh, Red Prawn and other durian brands for the workers to enjoy. Beside durians, there were rambutans and mangosteens aplenty for the workers to take home for their families. Attracted to the alluring fragrance of durians, several tourists joined in the feast and helped themselves to the fruits as well. Saied Tawoos, 41, from Iran was curious and tasted durians for the first time and like it.

MPPP Councillor Ong Ah Teong helping to unload the fruits while Exco member YB Danny Law (in red tie) looks on.

MPPP Councillor Tahir with Iranian tourist Saied Tawoos who tasted durian for the first time.

2,000 branded durians with mangosteens and rambutans.

Reward for 100,000th visitor to Penang Hill

PENANG Hill registered its 100,000th visitor, less than three months after first opening for business reaching a milestone earlier than anticipated. The lucky 100,000th visitor is Mohd Fazil Shafie, who visited the famous Penang resort with his wife Salina Bahar and their three children. The family is from Tasek Gelugor,. Penang Hill Corporation operations manager Firdaus Ibrahim presented the happy couple with a two-day one-night stay at the Bellevue Hotel on Penang Hill, a complimentary buggy ride and a free nature tour and admission to the Bellevue Ginger Gardens and Aviary at a simple ceremony at the ground station recently. We at the Penang Hill Corporation are very excited as we have hit the 100,000th mark even before the end of three months of the stations reopening. We will definitely continue to strive to make Penang Hill the most visited landmark in Penang, Firdaus said. Fazil and his family thanked the Penang Hill Corporation and expressed his excitement for being the lucky 100,000th visitor of the Penang Hill. I still could not believe our good luck. This is really unexpected and I would like to thank the management for the wonderful surprise. Our three children will definitely enjoy the stay on the Hill. Fazil said. Penang Hill opens daily from 6.30am to 8pm on weekdays and from 6.30am to 9pm on weekends, public and school holidays.

Gopal, a drain cleaner who was awarded the PBS title by the TYT Governor in 2010 waiting to feast on the durians.

Penang Hill Corporation assistant admininstration manager Sukumaran Summugam and operations manager Firdaus Ibrahim congratulating and handing the prize to Mohd Fazil Shafie and Salina Bahar and their three children at the Penang Hill ground station.

August 2011

Level 3 of Komtar has been given a facelift.

Members of Penang Club listening attentitively to CM Lim Guan Engs talk.

CM Lim wears yellow.

Children celebrating Merdeka.

Choo Chon Kai who was just released after 28 days of detention under Emergency Ordinance at the Penang Speakers Square.

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August 2011

They are all smiles.

Catholics celebrating St. Annes Feastday in Bukit Mertajam.

Children breaking fast together at Masjid Tuan Samad, Permatang Sungai Dua, Penang.

A group of reporters enjoying Tropfest at the grounds of the Esplanade.

YB Karpal Singh, Member of Parliament for Bukit Gelugor and his wife celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary.

THE glitz and glamour of New York landed in splendour in Penang at the Gala Opening of the George Town Festival 2011 at the E&O Hotel on 1st July 2011. The exciting evening event, with the theme Peranakan Penang, saw a potpourri of Penang Perakanan heritage jewelries and exquisite modern jewellries adorned by supermodel Ling Tan and a bevy of beauties. Big names in the international fashion arena like Malaysians Zang Toi and Yeohlee, and Penang-born shoe designer and maker Datuk Jimmy Choo graced the occasion with their latest creations. This is the third year Penang celebrates its status as the Unesco World Heritage Site. Malacca and George Town were inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List on the 7th July 2008, being the first two cities in Malaysia to be accorded the Cultural Heritage Site status. The evening at the majestic E&O hotel attracts all the rich and famous from Penang and other parts of Malaysia and the world. The Governor of Penang and his consort together with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his wife Betty were there to play hosts. Among the dignitaries present were the ambassador of Brazil and the High Commisioner of Australia. Let Penang glow as we revisit triumphs of the golden years and reconnect with our past to face the future together, Mr Lim said in his welcome speech. This event demonstrates the Penang State Governments commitment to safeguarding the integrity and authenticity of Outstanding Universal Values integral to our World Heritage Site, he declared. According to Fesvital Director Joe Sidek, they are expecting audience of up to a million during the month-long festival which features the rich array of theatre, music, dance, art, opera, food and fashion. In his speech, Penang State Government has given so much support for the promotion of such festival. Seeing the people of Penang take ownership of the festival and participating by sharing their homes, histories and talents is uplifting and humbling, he said.

New York glitz in Penang

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August 2011

Supermodel Ling Tan and world renowned fashion designer Zang Toi.

FROM PAGE ONE Barisan Nasionals Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil went a step further and sent her sympathies to the senior citizens of Penang for what she hinted as a political gimmick. Mr Lim demanded that she to apologize to all senior citizens for the demeaning remarks. He said these monies are monies saved from frugal spending and it is given back to the people in a form of something they can touch, see and feel. Even Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak commented that the RM100 is small and insignificant, compared to what he claims the Barisan Nasional has provided for the people. Mr Lim rebutted the PMs claim, pointing out that under the Barisan Nasional government, not a single sen has been given to the people directly. The Prime Minister must accept our challenge, give each and every senior citizens RM1,000 yearly now. If the Pakatan Rakyat takes over Putrajaya, the Pakatan Rakyat as the Federal Government will give RM1,000 annually to every senior citizens in Malaysia. This totals only RM2.1 billion. The Federal Government can afford this. We have promised this in our Pakatan Rakyat Buku Jingga. Mr Lim said. Despite all the brickbats from the Barisan

TYT Governor with Joe Sidek (far right) with YeohLee (center) and others.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng with Deputy Chief Minister I YB Dato' Mansor Othman with a widow who received the RM1,000 beneficiary award of the Senior Citizen Program.

(Left to Rright) Datuk Jimmy Choo, CM Lim Guan Eng, YB Betty Chew, Australian High-Commissioner H.E. Miles Kupa.

Nasional, Penangites know that the RM100 and the one-off RM1,000 funeral expenses from the state government are sincere and symbolic gestures. The smiles on the senior citizens faces are priceless. The tears on the faces of the beneficiaries said that they felt touched with the thought from the caring Pakatan Rakyat state government.

PDC disposes off entire 60% stake in PDC Aquaculture

August 2011
THE Penang Development Corporation (PDC), through its wholly-owned subsidiary PDC Premier Holdings Sdn Bhd has disposed off its entire 60% equity in PDC Aquaculture Sdn Bhd (PDCA) to its joint venture partner GST Seafood Suppliers Sdn Bhd (GST) on 20 May 2010 at the sale price of RM1.3 million. The Share Sale Agreement was signed between both parties on 20 May 2010. Currently, the land is being leased to GST for a period of 15 years. Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced this at a press briefing in Komtar on 8th July 2011. According to the press notes distributed at the briefing, the rental rate is RM11,385.20 per month for the first three years but from Years 4 to 15, the rental will be RM22,770.50 per month. This rate is based on the valuation rate of RM330 per acre per month by Jabatan Perkhidmatan Penilaian Hartanah (JPPH). Mr Lim said the PDC has decided to give a 50% discount for the first three years to GST for agreeing to buy PDC Aquaculture at the JPPH valuation price of RM1.3 million. PDC Aquaculture was established on 17 October 2005 with a paid-up capital of RM1.725 million. The PDC Premiers cost of investment in PDC Aquaculture amounted to RM1.035 million based on its 60% equity. PDC Aquaculture commenced operation on 1 February 2006 and its main activity is to undertake aquaculture activity on a 69-acre site in Batu Kawan owned by the PDC. The land was rented to PDC Aquaculture at a monthly rental amounting to RM3,307.79 for a period of three years commencing on 1 January 2007. This compares to RM11,385.20 per month for the first three years and RM22,770.50 per month for the subsequent 12 years under the new agreement. According to Mr Lim, the decision by the PDC to divest from PDC Aquaculture is because aquaculture is Period No. of years 3 12 15 New rental rate/month (RM) 11,385.20 22,770.50 -

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at the Press Conference on the ales of shares and leasing of land.

not the core activity of the PDC, and the PDC does not have the relevant expertise to manage and operate the business efficiently. Moreover, he said, the company has been incurring losses since its incorporation and based on its audited accounts for the year ended 31 December 2008, its accumulated losses amounted to RM761,333 with a net tangible asset of 56 sen per share. By selling the company at RM1.3 million, the PDC has not only recouped its investment of RM1.035 million but even made a profit of RM 265,000. Mr Lim said that compared with the earlier monthly rental rate of RM3,307.79 charged by the PDC to PDC Aquaculture, the gain in rental to the PDC for the 15- year period will amount to RM3.09 million. This is based on the new rental sum of RM3.69 million over 15 years as compared to RM0.60 million for the same period. Total new rental amount (RM) 409,867.20 3,278,952.00 3,688,819.20 Old rental rate/ month (RM) 3,307.79 3,307.79 -

In other words, Mr Lim pointed out, not only has the PDC made a RM265,000 profit of its investment in a loss making company but has also increased rental revenue by six times of RM3.1 million from RM595,402 to RM3,688,819.20. The total gain to the PDC from this exercise will be RM3,358,417. Mr Lim said that this demonstrates the benefits of the CAT governance by the Pakatan Rakyat state government based on open market valuation. Compared to the earlier monthly rental rate of RM3,307.79 charged by the PDC to PDC Aquaculture, the gain in rental to the PDC for the 15-year period will amount to RM3.09 million. (refer to table) With the sale of PDCA, PDC has completely divested from the aquaculture business and is currently acting only as a landlord through the rental of the land to GST. Gain/ Month (RM) 8,077.41 19,462.71 Total Gain (RM) 290,786.76 2,802,630.24 3,093,417.00

Total old rental amount (RM) 119,080.44 476,321.76 595,402.20

1st 3 years 4 15 years Total

L-R - PDC General Manager Dato' Rosli Hashim, State Secretary Dato' Farizan Darus, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and GST Seafood Suppliers Sdn. Bhd.

Blackberry to be made in Penang

8
August 2011

CM Lim with the news and his own Blackberry.

FROM July 2011 onwards RIM is manufacturing smartphones from the BlackBerry portfolio in Penang for the world market. Commenting on this, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng told a press conference at Komtar that once again, Penang has attracted investors because of factors like good infrastructure, strategic location, talented human capital, a livable city and a pro-business and proactive state government. Earlier, Mr Dany Bolduc, the RIM vice-president for

Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, has been quoted in the press as saying that to support the growing demand for BlackBerry smartphones in Asia and across the world, the company is pleased to expand its manufacturing operations to Malaysia. We continuously strive to improve the way we serve our customers and partners, and fundamentally believe that producing BlackBerry smartphones in Malaysia will help achieve this goal, Mr Bolduc said. Meanwhile, Malaysian Investment Development

Authority (Mida) director-general Datuk Jalilah Baba warmly welcomes the companys decision to manufacture its products in Penang. Datuk Jalilah said he is happy and proud that Malaysia fits into RIMs overall growth strategy for the region. BlackBerry is synonymous with quality. RIM has made a wise decision to leverage the talented workforce that Malaysia has to offer. This also reflects RIMs confidence in the business environment of Malaysia, Datuk Jalilah said.

CM leads Penang team to woo Japanese investors

GEORGE TOWN Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng led a state delegation to join in Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (Mida) investment mission trip to Japan from 17 to 21 July 2011. During their sojourn in Japan, Mr Lim and his team met with Japanese investors and discussed investment proposals with then. Their effort has enhanced bilateral trade between Malaysia and Japan. Following several billions of ringgit of high-tech and high value-added investments in Penang from Japanese firms recently, the Penang state government feels that this is a critical moment to leverage in Penangs strong advantage amongst Japanese investors. Japan is undergoing an investment cycle among electrical and electronic companies which is expected to peak over the next nine months. According to Mr Lim, the trip provided the opportunity for the state government to renew and strengthen ties with the Japanese companies with operations in the state, and would result in further and new Japanese investments to Penang. While in Japan, Mr Lim and his Penang delegation had a Roundtable Meeting with key Japanese industry leaders in strategic areas of E&E, PV, Automotive and

Renewable Energy in Tokyo. They also participated in a seminar on Business Opportunities in Malaysia in Osaka to further enhance business collaboration between the private sectors of Malaysia and Japan. Mr Lims delegation will comprise Deputy Chief Minister (I) Datuk Mansor Othman, Deputy Chief Minister (II) Dr P Ramasamy, State Executive Councillor Phee Boon Poh, InvestPenang executive chairman Datuk Lee Kah Choon, InvestPenang general manager Loo Lee Lian, the Chief Ministers special investment officer Jeffrey Chew, and two senior officers of Invest Penang.