THERE is no special state holiday on polling day, says caretaker Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said the state has decided not to declare Aug 12 as a special state holiday for the election.
“I believe Malaysians are familiar with the election. In addition, the polling day will be held on a Saturday, and many will be off on that day.
“Companies and corporations need to give their employees, who are working on Aug 12, some time to cast their votes and fulfil their civic responsibilities,” Chow told a media conference at the Balik Pulau public market this morning.
He also urged Penangites to come out and vote on Aug 12.
“Your vote determines the future of Penang. This election is for the people to choose a government that can govern the state efficiently.
“It is for Penangites to choose their representatives (assemblymen) who can assist them, be their voice, and be the bridge between the people and the government,” he said.
Chow also commented on the Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) manifesto for Penang.
“Upon closer inspection, a significant portion of PN’s ‘promises’ for Penang appears to mirror programmes already initiated or in progress under the Pakatan Harapan administration.
“What PN is promising in its manifesto are programmes which we have been doing over the past 15 years,” Chow said.
PN had just launched its manifesto for Penang yesterday (Aug 7) with eight main themes and 33 manifesto promises.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) jointly revealed the Penang Unity Manifesto 2023 on Aug 1 with 16 main themes and 50 manifesto promises, giving Penangites enough time to appreciate and understand the unity manifesto.
Chow said the Penang Pakatan Harapan has an excellent track record in governing the state over the past 15 years.
“We monitor the progress of our manifesto promises. For example, we have fulfilled 94% of our 2018 manifesto (which comprises 68 manifesto promises) by the end of our term recently. We showed the rakyat the status of the manifesto promises.
“This is our track record and we are confident that we can fulfil the Penang Unity Manifesto 2023,” Chow added.
He said PH and BN would rise to the challenge to improve the people’s welfare through programmes and initiatives.
“That is what makes us different from other Opposition parties. We have a good track record, and we fulfil our promises,” Chow said.
Chow, together with Pulau Betong PH candidate Mohd Tuah Ismail and Teluk Bahang BN candidate Ahmad Zaki Shah Shah Headan visited the Balik Pulau public market early this morning.
The ‘unity’ teams were warmly greeted by the traders and market-goers there.