The Penang government has achieved 90% of its manifesto promises for the 14th General Election in 2018, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The manifesto, titled I Love Penang, contained 68 promises of which Chow said 54 were fulfilled, 12 are in implementation while the remaining two would not be implemented due to overlap with the Federal Government’s programmes.
Chow said today marked the fourth anniversary of his Pakatan Harapan government which was voted in for the third consecutive term on May 9, 2018.
“We were given a strong mandate by the people of Penang four years ago. We have formed a state government that has continued to put the interests of the people first.
“The state Pakatan Harapan leadership will continue to be committed to elevating the state on the world stage with excellence and fulfilling the remaining promises with about one year left.
“This is a time for a celebration of our success,” Chow said in his speech during the launching ceremony of the 2018 manifesto achievement by the state government in Komtar today.
Among the attendees were State Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy and State Secretary Datuk Dr Ahmad Jailani Mohamed Yunus.
Others included state executive councillors, state assemblymen, Members of Parliament, Penang PKR acting chairman Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, state Amanah chairman Dr Roslan Ahmad, Pakatan Harapan component party representatives and various department chiefs.
In addition to the GE14 manifesto, Chow, who took the oath of office as the fifth Chief Minister of Penang on May 14, 2018, came up with a vision on Aug 29, 2018, called the Penang2030 Vision, for the development of the state.
The vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’ is built around four main themes, namely to ‘Increase liveability to enhance quality of life’, ‘Upgrade the economy to raise household incomes’, ‘Empower people to strengthen civic participation’ and ‘Invest in built environment to improve resilience’.
Chow continued: “Since then, these two documents (manifesto and Penang2030 vision) have become a guide for the Penang state government’s administration.
“The achievements are the result of the hard work and dedication by the state government and the support of the people.
“I believe that the success can increase the confidence of the people of Penang that we are a reliable state government that can continue to bring the state to another glorious level.
“I am very confident that we will be able to realise the remaining 10%, as we have proven in facing the Covid-19 challenge to help and fight for the welfare of the people.
“Despite the Covid-19 challenges, Penang continues to show excellence not only in the economic field but also in educational, sports and social development.
“All the exco members, assemblymen, MPs, and all those who are here must continue to step forward boldly to assist the people.
“Do not be careless, take it easy and neglect in fighting for a state governed by CAT principles.
“Now, we are leading Penang into the digital era to build a smart city based on human resource development. At the same time, the preservation of heritage art continues without forgetting our origins and the mandate given to us to this day.
“We will continue to move as a strong team to uphold the Penang we love. I love Penang! We love Penang!”
When he concluded his speech, Chow was rapturously applauded by many in the auditorium.
Earlier in his speech, Chow went through the GE14 manifesto promises placed under 11 themes.
The 11 themes are as follows: (1) Competent, Accountable and Transparent (CAT) Administration, (2) Housing for Everyone, (3) Entrepreneurial State, (4) Improving Basic Amenities, (5) Green State, (6) Development, Education and Skills, (7) Tourism, Culture, Arts, Heritage, and Sports, (8) Welfare State, (9) Uplifting Islam, (10) A Harmonious Plural Society, and (11) Penang State Rights.
One of the most notable promises fulfilled was that the post of Chief Minister has been limited to two terms through amendments to Article 7, Clause 2 (a) of the Penang State Constitution in the State Legislative Assembly on Nov 16, 2018 and gazetted on Jan 31, 2019.
“No other states in Malaysia have done this,” Chow told the congregation.
Another promise fulfilled was the appointment of Opposition Leader Muhamad Yusoff Mohd Noor as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) through a motion of the chief minister in the Penang State Assembly sitting on Aug 10, 2018.
The state government, Chow said, has received the Auditor-General’s certification on its financial statements without reprimand for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020.
“This proves that the financial position of the Penang government and financial performance and cash flow for the three years is stable and strong,” he said.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Law Suun Ting