Story and pix by Chan Lilian
FIREWORKS, Penang-born international stars, P. Ramlee goldies, Penang boria, drums, dances and more entertained the crowd at the night to mark Penang Island City Council (MBPP) status on April 4.
Themed “Gilang Gemilang Tanjung Penaga”, it was a potpourri of everything Penang – from Hokkien dialect songs to a dance with background of Penang char koay teow.
The glittering night was graced by Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his wife Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, exco members, assemblymembers, invited dignitaries and consuls-general.
MBPP’s first female mayor, Datuk Patahiyah Ismail, together with MBPP’s heads of departments and councillors were on hand to meet and greet state government top brass like State Secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, State Financial Officer Datuk Mokhtar Jait and others.
A gigantic screen flashed Penang-born famous celebrities, sports icons, fashion icons and also brought back memories of old Penang and included several historic moments of the island.
The huge crowd which filled the Esplanade field will long remember the momentous night which ended with a fireworks display.
Datuk Bandar Patahiyah pledged to work with her team in the MBPP to give the best service to all Penangites.
Meanwhile, Lim congratulated the mayor on being the first female mayor in Penang.
However, Lim reminded the MBPP: “With this declaration, I hope the workforce in MBPP will carry out their responsibilities wisely and be ever ready to face increasing challenges while providing the best service with a Competent, Accountable and Transparent (CAT) administration.”
With the declaration of its city status, MBPP’s workforce has increased from 3,576 to 3964.