Changing Penang in a Changing World: Transforming Penang
Ladies and gentlemen thank you very much for inviting me here to speak. I come here as the Chief Minister of Penang, one of four states led by Pakatan Rakyat or the People’s Pact, the opposition coalition in Malaysia. I am from the Democratic Action Party, one of three coalition partners. I am extremely proud to be given the opportunity to govern the beautiful vibrant state of Penang and delighted to have the opportunity to speak to you. I hope by the end of my remarks you will consider coming to visit and invest in Penang, as it continues to be an attractive location for business and pleasure alike.
It is wonderful to be in Singapore. We have so much in common; shared history and people. Our bonds are deeply intertwined, culturally, politically and economically. I would like to highlight some of our common features. We are both small states that have punched above our weight economically through the hard work and creativity of our people. We have both been successes despite our size and obstacles we share. Today, more than 25%Malaysia’s exports in terms of value and volume come from Penang – more than half of the country’s electronics are produced there – and we are among the top tourist destinations in Malaysia with a record numbers of visitors. Like Singapore, we appreciate the importance of planning, a favorable market environment for investors and fiscal responsibility. We both have worked hard to put ourselves on the map internationally, and done so successfully.
We both know that in order to progress, we need to adapt and transform. I have long admired Singapore’s adaptability, how it has managed to respond to financial crises such as those in 2003 and 2008 and continues to be a role model for promoting economic growth in Southeast Asia. I am also deeply interested in the reforms that Singapore will introduce to address the social concerns that were brought to light in the recent May election, as the challenges Singapore faces in addressing inequalities and promoting integration are common across the region. I am looking forward to learning more from Singapore and deepening ties here.
Penang has recently rebranded itself as a location of choice for investors and destination of choice for tourists. We are one of the top 3 tourist destinations in Malaysia. We are the top investment state in Malaysia in 2010 drawing investments from all over including Singapore. Penang contributes towards 36% of Malaysia’s FDI despite having only 6% of the country’s population.
There are 7 key factors that account for our success as a location of choice for investors:-
1. Ready availability of human talent;
2. Effective and efficient supply chain management
3. Competent and reliable logistics and communications hub
4. Strong Intellectual Property protection
5. Good, non-corrupt, governance and effective leadership
6. Building creativity and innovation in science and technology, and
7. Livable and safe city environment
For these reasons, in our quest to be the smartshop of the Software Valley knowledge-based economy, we are mindful of being a livable city and creating a vibrant urban environment. ECA International listed Penang as the most livable city in Malaysia on par with KL. Penang is world-famous for our street food and CNN recently placed our Penang asam laksa as the 7th best food in the world. KPMG International listed us as one of 30 global Business Process Outsourcing Centre for the future. We are proudly a UNESCO World Heritage City for our outstanding universal value of cultural diversity and living heritage.
But what then for the future. As I thought about my trip to Singapore, I realized it was important to highlight the need for adaptation, to adjust to new circumstances. Events over the last week in the market place highlight how vulnerable we are to sudden changes in economic fortunes and developments in the global economy. To survive and thrive, we need to adapt. Singapore did this in 2003, more recently after the 2008 financial crisis and continues to do so in response to the uncertain evolving global economy.
We believe that in order to be sustainable and thrive it is necessary to balance economic growth with greater equitable development for all. We know Penang must find its own niche as an international and intelligent city. Branding for Penang is important that is synonymous with quality, reliability, safety, sustainability and integrity. Equally important is social cohesion and inclusion towards a shared society that allows democratic participation, respect for diversity and individual dignity, equal opportunity and prohibition of discrimination. But most crucial of all is equal opportunities for the young and talented to grow and fulfill their potential.
A Changed World:
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take the marker of 2003 as a shared one to begin the discussion, over eight years ago. For Singapore this was a difficult year, one in which SARS and the region slowdown acutely affected your economy and brought home some of the vulnerabilities of the closer global links with China and the slowdown of the US economy. This year was also significant in Malaysia, in that it marked the year which former premier Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed stepped down from office. New leaders have come into office since then, with new ideas. I am part of the new generation of leaders. We share an appreciation of the need to reform and adapt. Gone are the days when hardware – new HDB flats, new roads and clinics – can satisfactorily meet the needs of our people. We face the common task of bringing the more difficult software to our citizens, the tangible but intangible concerns with quality of life, while simultaneously strengthening institutions to bring about these changes.
This brings me to the first main point about today’s changing world – the advent of crisis. In our region we have now seen two major financial crises and a series of natural disasters, most recently illustrated by the tragic March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We do not yet know the impact of the developments in the financial markets over the last week. It has now become normal to expect the unknown. None of us are fully ready for a crisis, but we have learnt that we have to put in place conditions to be prepared. We need to plan for uncertainty.
In Penang I have adopted measures to help Penang be prepared for the unknown within the confines that a chief minister can implement. We have improved the state’s financial position with three years of consecutive record surpluses and rescuing a local town council, that lost RM230 million, from bankruptcy. I believe strongly in financial responsibility. A financial base is not enough, however. It is vital to strengthen the political institutions. Professionalising the civil service, establishing some of the institutions of civil society such as setting up the first Speaker’s Corner in Malaysia and enacting the Freedom of Information Act. This new model of governance – that is tied to a recognition of the need to think toward the future – is a vital step not only today, but for than rainy day when conditions change. If anything we have learnt in the past decade or so is that change is inevitable, and we must be as ready as we can to face the new horizon.
Part of today’s changing world involves a need to forge links and networks regionally including China. We must give recognition of our special relationship with these countries including Singapore where we are bonded by blood, tested by time and driven by shared values of excellence, competitiveness and integrity. From early on, as part of the Straits Settlements, Singapore and Penang have shared strong bonds. Many a Penangite has migrated to or works Singapore, and many a Singaporean visits Penang. The nearly 20 flights daily to and fro between our two islands are full.
Thirdly we should never put our eggs in one basket we need to diversify. Despite our close linkages with our traditional investors in electronic industry from Japan, Europe and US, we are deeply engaged in working with China and India as well as our regional neighbors Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand as well. The focus is not just on investment, but broadening tourism and cultural exchanges.
Our MYPenang campaign featured in June-July in Dhoby Ghaut illustrated graphically common historical and personal ties. It highlighted the many tourist attractions of our state. This initiative, along with our other outreach efforts, reflects a rebranding of our state, one in which we inspire those who have not visited Penang for many years to return or come for the first time. I cannot emphasize enough that we are indeed a new Penang, and aim to strengthen our international profile in this every changing global context.
The global changes in the world are not also taking place within in Asia. In the last six months we have seen what scholars are already labeling the fourth wave of democracy, the powerful political revolutions that others have labeled the Arab spring in the Middle East. From Tahril Square in Cairo to the more disturbing recent confrontations in Syria and Yemen, the demands for political change highlight the fact that people want fairer better political systems. Even in Singapore the call for change had greater resonance in May. This brings me to the fourth point; the need to anchor what we do in our people – to be people-centric. Everything we do as leaders should be driven by a desire to serve the people. In the Middle East and elsewhere, corruption, greed and self-interest have eroded public confidence and destroyed public faith in leadership. Political institutions from the judiciary to the police have been weakened by vested interests aiming to protect the few, the elite, rather than the people at large. The lessons from the Middle East are clear – that elites that do not serve the people and are more interested in power and their own pocket book will be opposed. Malaysia’s contemporary Bersih movement draws from many of the same concerns in today’s Middle East. We want stronger political institutions, fairer opportunities for all and clean government. Penang’s mantra from the day I took office has been the same – absolutely no corruption. None. The large investments in Penang for infrastructure is by open tender, committed to good governance, and open to all. Penang is proud to be the only state in Malaysian history to be praised by Transparency International. We must create opportunities for everyone. The people must be served by having a government that protects their interests, rather than one that is self-interested.
My final point though obvious is crucial for small states dependent on the world economy like Penang, the need to effectively manage globalization. Rising oil prices and rising incomes in China have contributed to inflationary pressures that are being felt throughout Asia. Partisan politicking in the US and an unwillingness to make tough decisions on the Euro debt crisis in Europe are now having their affects. It is thus our responsibility as leaders to minimize these negative effects on our people.
Changing the World:
I am a young leader in this new challenging and changing world. Our success as today’s leaders will be judged by how we transform our countries and use our most important resource to develop – our people. To use an economic analogy, our success depends on our people moving up the value chain, a context where the needs – physical and psychological – our people are being met and maximized. This brings me to the second section of my remarks, the steps needed to change the world, our world here in Asia, but especially my world in Penang and Malaysia.
In this day and age where financial interest and materialism is a driver in the economy, and alas sadly sometimes for others in politics, I cannot emphasis enough the need to have a moral core and set of ideals that guide our action in government. Malaysia’s opposition of Pakatan Rakyat– whether it is my party the Democratic Action Party, the Islamic Party of Malaysia, PAS, or Anwar Ibrahim’s party Parti Keadilan Rakyat – is guided by a set of common ideals – broader democracy, fairness, human dignity, hard work and mutual respect. We are bound together by a shared goal, to make Malaysia a stronger and fairer nation for all of our citizens of every community and background. I am very proud to be a Malaysian, and everything I do is directed at making our country stronger and better. I have personally witnessed the struggle of ordinary Malaysians to make ends meet in these difficult uncertain times and the hardship that some families endure. My own family comes from humble means and I understand daily challenges to find a uniform for your child, to provide the best education for your children, to know that you have enough income to provide for your loved ones, and importantly, to be able to live a life with dignity and security. When the politics in my country is full of personal attacks, many fabricated by newspapers that engage in storytelling of hatred, I draw strength from my knowledge that what I do is for Malaysia, for all Malaysians. I draw inspiration from the many people – across ethnic communities – who walked the streets last month in a call for Bersih, a cleaner electoral system and better Malaysia.
As a people-centric government, the most important goal is provide equal opportunities for all especially the opportunity for our children to realize their potential. Nothing can be sadder than to destroy the confidence of a child with obsolete and dangerous racist ideology that one’s child is never good enough and must be forever dependant on the tongkat or the wheelchair, and they will never be rewarded for their good performances no matter how deserving they are.
To attain peace Malaysians must stand united and reject those who wish to divide us by preaching racial and religious hatred. If we want to benefit from equal opportunities and realize our human potential we must stop extremists from continually degrading others as inferiors so as to uplift ourselves.
We can only achieve harmony together. Despite our differences and diversity, Malaysians can make our common aspirations of freedom, justice, democracy and truth come true if we remember key values.
That it is not who we are that is important, but what we are that is important; not the colour of our skin that is important but the content of our character; and not our past ancestry that is important but how we connect with the present and with each other to face the future.
We cannot be locked in the past and allow the past to close off possibilities of a better future. Ladies and gentlemen, here in Singapore, when the 2003 SARS crisis happened, you embraced a new future together. No matter the political differences in the recent May general elections, Singaporeans were unified in wanting a better country and a better future for Singaporeans. In 2008, in Penang and other Pakatan Rakyat-run governments, we also embraced the future and we continue to do so. Change is an ongoing process, one in which as leaders we must nurture. To be honest, sometimes it can be quite frustrating, and often I am overtired in my dedication to making results happens as soon as possible. We know that the time has come to leave behind policies that are not working and adopt new initiatives. We know that we cannot let the anguish and hurt of the past blind us to a new future. Our country is strong because of our ethnic and religious diversity, where all communities can practice their faith and know that they have a secure place in our nation’s future. We know that we have to embrace the young, and learn from the wisdom of the old.
Our Policy Direction
I wanted to take a moment to share with you some of the concrete policy frameworks we are adopting in Penang. This foreshadows some of the ideas in the forthcoming Penang Blueprint from 2011 to 2015. This blueprint was drafted by the state’s think tank Socio-Economic and Environmental Research Institute (to be renamed Penang Institute this year) and is the result of dialogues across the state. From the onset we have recognized the need to think of new innovative approaches and ideas to move Penang and Malaysia forward, and welcome further inputs. Allow me to share some of the core ideas in the forthcoming Penang Blueprint. We have grouped them under the “Rs”:
The first point I want to emphasize is “Reviving Penang’s Livability” by being sustainable. Penang is the first green state in Malaysia. In the past we have been known as the Pearl of the Orient, and our policies are framed around bringing back the luster of the past. We are a living heritage city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we have been working to promote and enhance our heritage monuments. We know that livability is not just about the buildings and new land developments – and we have quite a few exciting property and commercial developments coming – but also about the maintaining the quality of the physical environment and affordable housing. In Penang we led Malaysia in the introduction of green initiatives such as the “no plastic bag campaign” and we are actively exploring housing programs for lower income and middle class residents. One of our most challenging policy areas has been improving traffic and transportation. We have offered more public transportation options, such as a free bus from the mainland for factory workers, and are exploring plans to diversify road transportation options. We also appreciate the cultural and psychological dimensions of livability, and have actively worked to encourage the arts and create open spaces. Last month we held a very successful Georgetown Festival of the arts highlighting dancing, film and cuisine. Artists know that Penang is a place where creativity is valued and showcased.
A parallel “R” is “Revitalizing the state’s business environment.”We are streamlining the process for permits and licenses to reduce the red tape. We have removed the biggest obstacle of all, the alleged payoff. We have created a special unit to support small and medium enterprises and upgrading infrastructure. A marker of the infrastructural upgrades is Penang’s new airport, where the substantial renovations are expected by next year that will allow for more flow of tourists and investors. Reducing costs to business and creating a working environment that is conducive to success is essential for the brighter future for Penang and Malaysia as a whole. Part of the revitalization process has been to invest in the city core of Georgetown, knowing that the synergies between the city and other parts of Penang are strong and extend outwards. The 2009 World Bank Report on Glocalization stressed that the city is an economic unit and as such can serve as a lynchpin in promoting multifaceted growth and development. We in Penang believe that building cities not only serves national development, it has important positive spillovers for the state as a whole.
Let me highlight a third “R” – Reclaiming Responsibilities. The state governments have been overshadowed in Malaysia by the federal government. There is a limited range of areas where I as a chief minister have jurisdiction. We are working to reclaim these responsibilities. We believe that decentralization of decisions and resources is absolutely necessary to effectively reach communities. As such, we are introducing social safety net policies such as our program for the elderly at the state level. We have also empowered and energized the local councils, and the results are obvious to any visitor. Penang is cleaner and safer. We know that as state leaders that the local is important, and that every citizen sees their government from their everyday experience. We are taking responsibility for what the constitution allows us to implement and building on our deeper knowledge of local conditions.
These ideas are part of a broader strategy of moving Malaysia out of what the World Bank has labeled the “middle-income” trap. Livability, economic revitalization and political decentralized with more efficient and fairer governance.
Steps toward Success
Yahoo Travel recently listed Penang as one of the 10 top islands in the world you must explore before you die. For those who have come to Penang we can all die happy.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have shared with you some of contemporary Penang’s story, how we are going about transforming Penang in a changing world. We ask you to come to Penang, to see for yourself the success where we build the future for our youths as well as our youths for the future.”
Speech by The Honourable Lim Guan Eng Chief Minister of Penang At Foreign Correspondents Club, Singapore
12August, 2011
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让槟城转型，为年轻一代建构未来、也栽培年轻一代以建构未来。
槟州首席部长林冠英于2011年8月12日在新加坡外国通讯社俱乐部上发表演讲，重点如下：
让槟城转型： 在多变的世界改变槟城
正在改变的世界
今天要讨论的第一个重点就是危机出现。我们的地区最常见的两个危机就是金融危机和天灾，正如2011年3月发生在日本的地震和海啸。我们还无法预知金融市场未来会有什么发展。人人好像已经对未知习以为常。我们没有任何人可以为危机完全准备好，但是我们已经学到，我们可以为不时之需做好准备。
在槟城，我们改善了槟州的财务状况，连续三年都有盈余，并且拯救了一个曾经亏损2亿3000多万令吉、濒临破产的地方政府。我强烈相信财务责任。拥有财政基础是不足够的，不过，强化政治体制是非常重要的。我们打造专业化公共服务，设立全马第一个演说者角落、立法通过资讯自由法。这个新的施政模式就是未雨绸缪。我们从历史上得到的教训就是“变”是唯一不变的道理，我们必须随时准备好，面对新的格局。
今天的世界需要我们建立各种区域性的联系和网络，包括中国。我们必须承认本身与这些国家的特别关系，包括新加坡，我们因血缘、时间联系和共同价值观如：追求卓越、竞争和廉洁而联系起来。
第三，我们要多元化。尽管我们与传统电子业投资者如日本 、欧洲和美国的关系密切，但是，我们也与中国、印度紧密合作，包括邻国新加坡、印尼和泰国。我们不只重视投资，我们也加强旅游业和文化交流。
过去六个月，我们也见证了中东被喻为第四波的民主浪潮。从埃及的开罗到发生严重冲突的叙利亚和也门，都展现了人民要求更公平政治制度的诉求。就连新加坡也在今年5月受到民心思变的影响。
今天演讲的第四要点就是：以民为本。领袖所做的一切，必须是为了服务人民。在中东和其它地方，贪污、贪婪和自私已经摧毁了公众对领导人的信心和信任。从政治制度从司法到警察都被削弱来保护少数精英，而不是普罗大众。中东改革浪潮的教训很明显，那些没有为民服务，只为满足本身权力和金钱的精英会遭反对。马来西亚最近发生的净选盟游行的起因，也与中东的情况大致相同。我们需要更好的政治制度、公平对待全马及廉洁的政府。从我第一天接管槟城开始，我们的信条一直都一样：绝不容忍贪污。槟城的大型基建是以公开招标进行，我们奉行良好施政。我们也是马来西亚历史上唯一获得国际透明组织表扬的州属。我们必须创造机会给每个人。人们必须拥有一个懂得保护他们的利益的政府。
最后，像槟城这样的小州属必须依赖世界经济，因为，我们必须有效迎对全球化。中国的油价和物价上涨加剧了亚洲的通膨压力。美国的政治角力，加上欧洲不愿当机立断解决欧元危机，现在已经发酵了。因此，我们有责任减缓这些时局带给人民的影响。
共同改变世界
做为多变世界中的新一代领袖，我们的成功，将取决于我们如何让国家转型、我们如何运用我们最重要的资源-人才。套用经济的比喻，我们的成功取决于我们能不能满足人们在身心方面的需求。这是今天演讲的第二部分：改变世界特别是槟城和马来西亚的必要措施。
马来西亚在野的民联，无论是民主行动党、回教党或公正党，都朝着共同的理想迈进 – 推广民主、公平、人类尊严、勤劳与互相尊重。我们都希望能为马来西亚每一个社群、不同背景的人民打造一个更强大、公平的国家。我看过普通老百姓如何在辛苦的日子中挣扎求存，我出身在普通家庭，明白为孩子提供最好的教育、养家糊口、让家人孩子活得有尊严、有安全感的挑战。当马来西亚的政治充斥人身攻击，当媒体教唆仇恨情绪，我坚守立场，我所做的是为了全体马来西亚人。我也从上个月净选盟游行中，各族人民上街，争取更公平、干净的选举得到许多灵感。
我们的政策导向
在此介绍槟州政府智囊团社会经济及环境研究机构（SERI,今年改名为槟州机构）所草拟的2011-2015大蓝图。我们已经认同我们需要革新、创意点子来引领马来西亚前进，以下是大蓝图中的核心概念，我们简称为“多R”：
第一个R是通过永续经营“恢复槟州的活动” （Reviving Penang’s Livability）。槟州是全马第一个绿州。从前我们被称为东方之珠，我们的政策就是要让这它重现光彩。我们是一个活古迹，联合国科教文组织的世界遗产城，我们一直努力地推广并保护我们的古迹。 一个有活力的城市不只是看它有什么建筑和什么发展，我们也注重保持外在环境和可负担的房屋。槟州带领全马推广许多绿色活动如：无塑料袋日，我们也努力为中低收入阶级提供可负担房屋。其中最具挑战性的任务是如何改善交通。我们有许多公共交通选择，例如往返威省和槟岛工业区的免费巴士 ，我们也探讨让公路交通更加多元。
第二个R是“振兴州政府的经商环境”（ Revitalizing the state’s business environment）。我们正在简化执照申请的流程和减少官僚程序。我们设立了一个特别单位，支援中小型企业、提升基础建设。最明显的是提升槟城国际机场。预料明年可以完成并吸引更多游客和投资者。减少经商成本、创造好在工作环境，是保证槟州和马来西亚未来的成功导因。
第三个R- 重新承担责任（ Reclaiming Responsibilities）。州政府的责任一直被联邦政府笼罩着。身为一州的首长，我所拥有的权限是非常有限的。我们正努力地重新承担这些责任。我们相信决策权必须下放、资源必须有效分配给各个社群。因此，我们推行了许多保障社会安全网的政策。我们也下放权力并活化地方政府。槟城已经更加清洁及安全。