THE rise and development of Penang as a whole in key areas contributing positively to the economy have always been a result of the unity among the people in the state, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
“We are very lucky because in Penang, despite our differences in many areas, we are still able to work as a team, which has proven to be our strength in our success in the last 15 years.
“Last 15 years because that’s how long we (Pakatan Harapan) have since governed our beautiful state of Penang.
“Our teamwork has also directly supported the state’s Penang2030 vision for a Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.
“While we are now a unity government under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, I am proud to say we are on track with the Malaysia Madani concept, envisioned by the Prime Minister himself,” Chow said in his speech during the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary constituency open house at Padang Koperasi in Sungai Gelugor today.
On open houses, Chow described them as the perfect medium for state representatives to meet and greet the public, while sharing about the many developments in the state.
Meanwhile, speaking about Pakatan Harapan’s reign in Penang for the last 15 years, Chow said credit must be given to the community, private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other relevant parties for playing a key part in the state’s development.
“Although in the past we have often been sidelined by previous national leaderships, it is through the commitment and collective efforts by these groups that have made it possible for us to move forward to implement so many projects, be it infrastructure, transportation and others for the benefit of the rakyat.
“As the state election is around the corner, I would like to urge each one to make the right choice so that we can continue with our good work for all of you.
“The people of Penang have proven that the choice they made in 2008 to choose us to lead Penang has only resulted in excellent results for the state’s economy.
“Now, with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as our Prime Minister, I am confident more good things will happen, especially addressing key issues and crises that our country is going through,” Chow added.
Chow was also full of praise for Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, who is also the Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Legal and Institutional Reforms) and Seri Delima assemblyman and Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid for their dedication and hard work for the people in their constituencies.
“They have both been very resourceful for their people in their respective areas during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Many financial contributions and services were given out to B40 families, and just like the two of them, all state representatives must be applauded for their efforts during that critical period of medical crisis,” Chow said.
Also, he went on to speak about a major infrastructure project that was completed not too long ago in the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary constituency.
“One of the biggest projects that materialised here at the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary constituency is the Bukit Kukus paired road project, which spans 3.2km and is dubbed as the highest overpass in the country.
“Completed for RM378.2 million and borne by the Penang government and the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), this overpass is a huge boost for the residents in Air Itam and Relau as it has helped reduce their driving period in the vicinity from 20 to 30 minutes to just five or 10 minutes,” Chow added.
Meanwhile, Ramkarpal during his speech, said that despite having the country governed by a unity government that consists of different parties that may have different opinions, it should not stop the country from progressing forward for a better future for all.
“Different opinions cannot be a hindrance to the development of our country.
“Ahead of the state polls which are around the corner, we hope to maintain the unity through this relatively new government and its line-up under the leadership of our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” Ramkarpal said.
Hundreds of locals in the Bukit Gelugor area thronged the open house earlier, and they were all served sumptuous local delights, such as satay, ais kacang and delicious lunch meals.
Also present during the event earlier were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, MBPP secretary Datuk A. Rajendran and former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siew Chia En