RESPONDING to questions raised by the press that there’s a lack of specific goodies for Penang as outlined in Budget 2019, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the developed status of Penang with its existing growth modal had resulted in a less dependence on the federal government.
“It is now assumed Penang is a developed state. So in line with development funds geographically, they said Penang should not expect too much from the federal government under the current economic situation,” Chow said.
“We recognise that. We will still continue to harness Public-Private-Professional-People partnership to carry out projects. The projects will be carried out using this modal without using much public funds.
“The state government will be the facilitator and the approving authority. We welcome private financial initiatives to help to grow Penang.
“The state government plays the role of getting the land, MITI gives incentives and our SMEs supports them in the ecosystem.
“Of course we will still try to get federal funding to do more. The PPPP modal is still viable. While the federal government had asked for 3 years to improve the financial situation of the country, the state government can still apply for whatever items under the various headings (in the Budget) so that we can (at least still) get something,” noted the chief minister.
Story by Victor Seow
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi