THE struggle for security, stability, and prosperity in this country does not rest solely on the shoulders of any one individual or specific group.
This responsibility must be collectively shared by all parties, including the public sector, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), political parties, and the broader public.
Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak said this mutual relationship is crucial to ensuring the continued security, stability, and prosperity of the country for the future and the continuity of the next generation.
Ahmad Fuzi and his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor were present at the investiture ceremony marking his 75th birthday celebration during a four-day ceremony.
Ahmad Fuzi said that the aspirations must be based on the values of tolerance and love for the country.
“If these fundamental values are undermined by any irresponsible party, various provocations and sentiments of hatred will arise, leading to chaos.
“Therefore, the diversity of races, religions, ethnicities, and cultures, combined with differences in language, demographic distribution, and generations today, must be celebrated without creating any gaps.
“It is crucial for all citizens of this country to remain united and not be divided.
“In this regard, it is also essential that all state-level programmes are implemented with consideration for the sensitivities of our diverse population to ensure peace and well-being for all,” he added.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the mandate given by the people of Penang would continue to be a priority.
“To ensure that all residents enjoy the benefits of the rapidly growing progress and development, the monitoring and coordination of development projects will continue at all levels.
“The departments and agencies under the state and Federal governments entrusted as project implementers must ensure that all initiatives meet the aspirations and needs of the people of this state.
“In this regard, the Penang government has approved a development allocation of RM374.718 million for the 2024 development expenses.
“Priority will be given to ongoing high-impact projects such as the Gurney Bay development project, flood mitigation plans, loans to the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) to finance part of the GBS By The Sea project, the Humanitarian Logistics Centre Development in central Seberang Perai, and road widening projects to reduce the increasingly critical traffic congestion,” Chow said.
He added that the Penang government would also continue to ensure food security within the state.
“The development of the agricultural, fisheries, and livestock sectors in Penang will continue to be driven by the National Agri-Food Policy (NAP 2.0) 2021-2030.
“The objective of developing the agri-food subsector is to ensure that food supplies are sufficient, available, and safe to eat.
“The development of Permanent Food Production Parks (TKPM) at Ara Kuda, Batu Kawan Agro Park (Juru), and Permatang Pauh Agricultural Park (Agropark) are among the state government’s initiatives to help ensure sufficient food supply for the nation,” he said.
Chow conveyed the heartfelt wishes of the state government, public service officers, and the people of Penang for a happy 75th birthday to Ahmad Fuzi.
“We pray for the continued health and happiness of His Excellency Tun and Her Excellency Toh Puan. Today, we renew our pledge of loyalty to the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri, His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and Malaysia.
“On this auspicious day, we pledge our unwavering loyalty and dedication to His Excellency Tun and the state,” he said.
A total of 1,346 individuals will be honoured with state awards, honours, and medals at the investiture ceremony.
Recipients include members of the state and Federal public service, politicians, corporate figures, non-governmental organisation members, local entrepreneurs, and volunteer organisation members.
The four sessions will be held on July 27 (first session), July 30 (second session), July 31 (third session), and Aug 1 (fourth session).
The 2024 investiture ceremony is led by the recipient of the Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN) title, which confers the title Dato’ Seri Utama. This honour is awarded to Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang.
Meanwhile, 28 individuals will receive the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN), which confers the title Dato’ Seri. Among the recipients are Penang Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato’ Law Choo Kiang, Penang State Secretary Dato’ Rosli Isa, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Datuk Shaik Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, and Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (NCID) director Comm Dato’ Khaw Kok Chin.
Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Dato’ Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid is among 10 recipients of the Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negeri (DMPN), which confers the title Dato’.
Among the notable recipients of the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which confers the title Dato’ include Penang Deputy State Secretary (Management) Abdul Kahar Abdullah, Seberang Perai City Council mayor Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, state Trade, Entrepreneurial Development and Rural Development Committee chairman Rashidi Zinol, and Penang mufti Sahibus Samahah Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Sukki Othman. A total of 103 recipients will be conferred the DSPN.
In total, 102 individuals will be presented with the Darjah Johan Negeri (DJN), Bintang Cemerlang Negeri (BCN) (30 individuals), Pingat Kelakuan Terpuji (PKT) (205 individuals), 328 recipients of the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian (PJK), 516 recipients of the Pingat Jasa Masyarakat (PJM), and 22 recipients of the Pingat Bakti Setia (PBS).
The Pingat Gagah Perwira (PGP) for 2024 will be awarded to Sergeant Mazlan Abdul Rahman, who rescued two individuals who fell from the Penang Bridge on Jan 15, 2024.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad and Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian