PENANG state executive councillor Chong Eng praised the Cabinet for agreeing with the proposal to amend the Federal Constitution to enable children born abroad to Malaysian mothers to gain automatic Malaysian citizenship.
Speaking at the Padang Lalang Chinese New Year open house organised by her service centre in Jalan Betek Manis tonight, Chong Eng said: “Isn’t this great news?
“This effort also shows the commitment of the unity government in the recognition of equality between women and men, or, a mother and a father, while contributing to the reduction of discrimination against women in Malaysia.”
She said 2023, as the year of ‘Hope’, began well for Penang when Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming recently announced an allocation of RM23 million to cover the redevelopment of the Bukit Mertajam Market for the convenience of traders and visitors.
“This is one of the most important development projects for Bukit Mertajam. You can see for yourself that the old town of Bukit Mertajam is changing and the transformation is progressing after the renovation of the Chinese temple, Pek Kong Cheng.
“The Bukit Mertajam Art & Festival was also one of the traditional cultural events and exhibitions that brought tourists to Bukit Mertajam. The programme was the result of a collaboration between the assemblymen in Bukit Mertajam and the NGOs,” she added.
Chong Eng, the Padang Lalang assemblyman who is also in charge of the state Social Development and non-Islamic Religious Affairs, said in 2022, a total of RM933,000 was allocated for the development projects and programmes for the well-being of the residents in Padang Lalang constituency.
Among the attendees at the CNY open house were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Aiman Athirah Sabu, Chong Eng’s husband K. Gunabalan, several assemblymen, community leaders and representatives of various NGOs and organisations.
A big crowd attending the Padang Lalang CNY open house.
Chow too lauded the Cabinet’s decision to table the amendment in the current Dewan Rakyat meeting to enable children born abroad to Malaysian mothers to gain automatic Malaysian citizenship.
He said the formation of the unity government after the 15th General Election has resulted in a new political landscape and stability in the country.
“The state government made brave decisions to transform Penang after a change of administration in 2008.
“Our agenda is to make Penang greener, smarter and family-focused to inspire the nation.
“The unity government under the leadership of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made several changes to ensure political stability.
“Penang occupies an important position in the country’s development and hopes to obtain more resources from the Federal Government so that its development will continue to take place.
“We need Federal help and more collaboration to achieve more success,” Chow said in his speech.
Aiman, in her speech, thanked Chong Eng and her team for lending her a hand during the GE15 campaign when she was vying for the Sepang parliamentary seat which she eventually pulled off a great victory.
She said she had known Chong Eng for the past 22 years and described her as her mentor.
“I will act as a bridge between the Federal Government and the Penang government,” she said.
The crowd was treated to a nice dinner as well as exciting performances by a lion dance troupe, line dancers and a traditional music band. A lucky draw was also held.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian