Monthly Archive for February, 2014

“SIMPLY THE BEST!”

Published on February 27, 2014, 10:21 pm in Federal government. 0 Comments

SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG SPONSORSHIP SIGNING CEREMONY BETWEEN CIMB AND PENANG STATE GOVERNMENT FOR THE 29TH PENANG WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2.30 PM, THURSDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2014 AT THE GARDENS SKY LOUNGE, MIDVALLEY, KUALA LUMPUR

“SIMPLY THE BEST!”

As we are all know, the World’s No 1 woman squash player is none other than Penang born and bred Dato’ Nicol David. And last year, instead of being given the chance to claim her title as the World Women’s Champion, the 2013 Women’s World Squash Championship had to be cancelled following Hong Kong and Egypt’s decision to not host the event.

The Penang State Government then sought out the Women’s Squash Association [WSA] to host this premier championship to present our seven-time world champion the privilege to heat up the court by winning the coveted crown in her own hometown. Furthermore, she will be joined by two other Penangites – Low Wee Wern and Vanessa Raj.

Continue reading ‘“SIMPLY THE BEST!”’

Senior Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang or PBAPP Officials Will Be Sacked If False Information Is Given About Water Stocks In Penang Dams And Water Rationing Imposed In March 2014.(en/cn)

Published on February 27, 2014, 12:11 pm in Environment. 0 Comments

Press Statement by Penang Chief Minister and Chairman of PBA Holdings Lim Guan Eng in Komgtar George Town on 27 February 2014.

Senior PBAPP officials will be sacked if false information is given about water stocks in Penang dams and water rationing imposed in March 2014. This shows how serious and committed the state government towards dealing with the severe drought season afflicting Peninsular Malaysia in ensuring that there is no disruption in water supply as well as in the daily lives of 1.6 million Penangites and investors.

From daily briefings given by PBAPP, senior officials have given assurances that there is adequate water with the Air Itam Dam at 70% capacity, Teluk Bahang Dam at 90% capacity and Mengkuang Dam at 50% capacity,brought down to 50% because of ongoing contruction works to more than double its capacity. PBAPP officials have assured me that there is no water shortage and no need for water rationing even if the rains do not fall in March.

Continue reading ‘Senior Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang or PBAPP Officials Will Be Sacked If False Information Is Given About Water Stocks In Penang Dams And Water Rationing Imposed In March 2014.(en/cn)’

Penang Will Launch The Long-Awaited Penang Business Process Outsourcing(BPO) Hub To Be Opened By Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at 10.30 am Saturday 1 March 2014.(en/cn)

Published on February 27, 2014, 12:09 pm in Penang. 0 Comments

Press Statement by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in Kuala Lumpur on 27 February 2014.

Penang will launch the long-awaited Penang Business Process Outsourcing(BPO) hub next to the Penang International Airport to be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at 10.30 am Saturday 1 March 2014.

Malaysia and Penang’s economy has shifted from extraction in the 1960s to industrialisation, from the export of raw commodities to manufacturing. In other words, Penang’s economy was factor-driven by relying on basic commodities before being efficiency-driven by relying on manufacturing. Penang needs to be not only efficiency-driven but also innovation-driven in manufacturing, services and even the public sector.

Continue reading ‘Penang Will Launch The Long-Awaited Penang Business Process Outsourcing(BPO) Hub To Be Opened By Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at 10.30 am Saturday 1 March 2014.(en/cn)’

>Datuk Seri Maximum Ongkili Menolak Cadangan Skim Bekalan Air Mentah Dari Sungai Perak Yang Boleh Menjaminkan Keperluan Air Pulau Pinang Pada Tahun-Tahun Selepas 2026 Atas Sebab Sumber Air Mentah Di Pulau Pinang Mencukupi(bm/cn)

Published on February 26, 2014, 1:21 pm in Federal government. 0 Comments

Kenyataan Akhbar Oleh Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Lim Guan Eng Di Komtar, George Town Pada 26.2.2014.

Datuk Seri Maximum Ongkili Menolak Cadangan Skim Bekalan Air Mentah Dari Sungai Perak Yang Boleh Menjaminkan Keperluan Air Pulau Pinang Pada Tahun-Tahun Selepas 2026 Atas Sebab Sumber Air Mentah Di Pulau Pinang Mencukupi.

Menteri Tenaga, Teknologi Hijau dan Air Datuk Seri Dr Maximum Ongkili menolak cadangan Skim Bekalan Air Mentah dari Sungai Perak yang boleh menjaminkan keperluan air Pulau Pinang pada tahun-tahun selepas 2026 atas sebab sumber air mentah di Pulau Pinang mencukupi. Ini dinyatakan dalam surat beliau pada 18.9.2013 semasa menjawab surat saya pada 18 Jun 2013 yang meminta agar projek ini disegerakan sepertimana yang dijanjikan dalam perjanjian penghijrahan aset air yang telah ditandatangani di antara kerajaan negeri dan persekutuan pada 2011.

Continue reading ‘>Datuk Seri Maximum Ongkili Menolak Cadangan Skim Bekalan Air Mentah Dari Sungai Perak Yang Boleh Menjaminkan Keperluan Air Pulau Pinang Pada Tahun-Tahun Selepas 2026 Atas Sebab Sumber Air Mentah Di Pulau Pinang Mencukupi(bm/cn)’

Malaysian Airlines’(MAS) Huge Financial Losses Over The Last 3 Years Amounting To RM 4.1 Billion Would Have Allowed Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia(BR1M) Recipients To Receive RM 1,200 As Promised Under The 2013 BN General Election Manifesto Instead Of The Reduced RM 650.(en/bm/cn)

Published on February 25, 2014, 1:56 pm in Penang. 0 Comments

Press Statement By DAP Secretary-General And MP For Bagan Lim Guan Eng In Kuala Lumpur On 25.2.2014.

MAS’ huge financial losses over the last 3 years amounting to RM 4.1 billion would have allowed BR1M recipients to receive RM 1,200 as promised under the 2013 BN General Election Manifesto instead of the reduced RM 650. MAS incurred losses of RM 1.17 billion last year, RM 433 million in 2012 and a record loss of RM 2.5 billion in 2011. These RM 4.1 billion in losses over 3 years would nearly make up for the additional sum required to top up the difference in BR1M payments from RM650 (which costs RM4.5 billion) to RM 1,200.

There is no sense of crisis or a turnaround plan at MAS to stem the bleeding of financial losses. Whilst MAS may think that these losses are sustainable because MAS still have cash balances of M3.9 billion as at end of last year, it would be irresponsible if not suicidal to continue with the “business as usual” attitude. MAS owners, Khazanah, must seek decisive surgical solutions by coming to terms with the fact that MAS, with its current cost structure, is just not viable.

Continue reading ‘Malaysian Airlines’(MAS) Huge Financial Losses Over The Last 3 Years Amounting To RM 4.1 Billion Would Have Allowed Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia(BR1M) Recipients To Receive RM 1,200 As Promised Under The 2013 BN General Election Manifesto Instead Of The Reduced RM 650.(en/bm/cn)’

Attack Against Malaysiakini Is The Latest In A Campaign Of Intimidation That Will Not Cease Until Action Is Taken Against The Merchants Of Hate And Violence.(en/cn)

Published on February 25, 2014, 1:55 pm in Penang. 0 Comments

Press Statement by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in Komtar, George Town on 25 February 2014

In yet another episode of a sustained campaign of hate and intimidation against freedom and public order, the Malaysiakini office in Bangsar Utama, Kuala Lumpur was attacked with red paint and a package containing a duck carcass and a photo of Seputeh MP Teresa Kok taped on it.

This comes hot on the heels of other similar attacks on Teresa Kok. Last week, her office was splashed with red paint and a dead chicken. Previously, a group of self-proclaimed Muslim NGOs not only demonstrated against her, but even offered a bounty of RM 1,200 to anyone who can slap her and record the incident on video. According to Malaysiakini, all these incidents are believed to be linked to Teresa’s controversial political satire video clip entitled “Onederful Malaysia CNY 2014.”

Numerous police reports have been lodged, and although many of these incidents including the threat to harm Teresa took place publicly and were recorded by the media, no action has been taken on the culprits. Continue reading ‘Attack Against Malaysiakini Is The Latest In A Campaign Of Intimidation That Will Not Cease Until Action Is Taken Against The Merchants Of Hate And Violence.(en/cn)’

The Abandonment Of MCA Leaders’ Election Promise Not To Accept Ministerial And Government Posts Have Proven MCA’s Corrupt Political Philosophy That Principles Are Informed By Positions When Positions Should Be Informed By Principles.(en/cn)

Published on February 24, 2014, 1:58 pm in Federal government. 0 Comments

Press Statement By DAP Secretary-General And MP For Bagan Lim Guan Eng In Kuala Lumpur On 24.2.2014.

The abandonment of MCA leaders’ election promise not to accept Ministerial and government posts have proven MCA’s corrupt political philosophy that principles are informed by positions when positions should be informed by principles. MCA is willing to be a traitor to their cause and a slave to racists and religious extremists merely to enjoy the perks and privileges of Ministerial office.

What change or difference can MCA do in Cabinet or in government posts now that they could not do in the past? To-date MCA has continued to entertain and support Utusan Malaysia despite Utusan Malaysia’s hatred and violent anti-non-Malay and anti non-Muslim rhetoric. MCA had also chosen to attack DAP Seputih MP Teresa Kok’s harmless video clip and sided with the racists and extremists playing games to distract attention from BN’s price hikes in sugar, petrol, power tariffs and motor insurance premiums.

MCA has adopted Utusan Malaysia and UMNO’s racialising of the 2013 general elections results by blaming it on the Chinese opposing BN. Such ridiculous reasoning defies logic when the Chinese only comprise 24% of the population, whilst PR obtained 51% of the popular vote. Clearly sufficient Malays, Indians, Ibans and Kadazans must have voted for PR to allow PR to be the majority party of choice for Malaysians in the 2013 general elections.

Continue reading ‘The Abandonment Of MCA Leaders’ Election Promise Not To Accept Ministerial And Government Posts Have Proven MCA’s Corrupt Political Philosophy That Principles Are Informed By Positions When Positions Should Be Informed By Principles.(en/cn)’

Demi Prinsip Akauntabiliti dan Ketelusan, Indah Water Konsortium(IWK) dan Jabatan Alam Sekitar(JAS) Tidak Boleh Lari Daripada Menyatakan Punca Sebenar Pencemaran Air Berlaku Di Sungai Batu Ferringhi Dan Pantainya Serta Juga Langkah Pencegahan Yang Akan Dilaksanakan.(bm/cn)

Published on February 24, 2014, 1:57 pm in Penang. 0 Comments

Kenyataan Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang Lim Guan Eng di Komtar, George Town Pada 24.2.2014.

IWK dan JAS tidak boleh lari daripada memaklumkan kepada rakyat Pulau Pinang demi prinisp akauntabiliti dan ketelusan tentang punca sebenarnya pencemaran air berlaku di Sungai Batu Ferringhi dan pantainya serta juga langkah pencegahan yang akan dilaksanakan. Ini berikutan jawapan oleh Pengurus Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang(PBAPP) kepada saya pada 18 Februari 2014, yang jelas menunjukkan ia tidak berkaitan dengan operasi loji rawatan PBAPP(lihat jawapan jelas di bawah).

Pencemaran secara besar-besaran ini hanya boleh datang daripada satu punca besar berbentuk institusi dan tidak mungkin daripada individu ataupun satu pengusaha. Sungguhpun keadaan air sungai sudah pulih dan pantai kini bersih, maka adalah perlu asal usul serta sebab musabab dikenalpasti agar keadaan pencemaran tidak berulang lagi. Lebih-lebih lagi bila ada video oleh Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran(JPS) yang jelas membuktikan air paip IWK melepaskan air kotor hitam ke Sungai Batu Ferringhi. Oleh itu adalah perlu pihak yang dipertanggungjawabkan menjalankan tugas perundangan seperti IWK dan JAS, memelihara dan melindungi alam sekitar dengan menunaikan amanah yang diberikan.

Proses rawatan air di Loji Rawatan Air PBAPP di Batu Ferringhi adalah seperti berikut.

Continue reading ‘Demi Prinsip Akauntabiliti dan Ketelusan, Indah Water Konsortium(IWK) dan Jabatan Alam Sekitar(JAS) Tidak Boleh Lari Daripada Menyatakan Punca Sebenar Pencemaran Air Berlaku Di Sungai Batu Ferringhi Dan Pantainya Serta Juga Langkah Pencegahan Yang Akan Dilaksanakan.(bm/cn)’

Penangites Are Smart Enough To Distinguish Lies Which Will Not Succeed In Undermining And Destabilising The PR Penang State Government From Fulfilling Our Historic 68% Mandate To Deliver A People-Centric Government.(EN/CN)

Published on February 22, 2014, 5:32 pm in Federal government. 0 Comments

Press Statement by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in Komtar, George Town on 22.02.2014.

Penangites Are Smart Enough To Distinguish Lies Which Will Not Succeed In Undermining And Destabilising The PR Penang State Government From Fulfilling Our Historic 68% Mandate To Deliver A People-Centric Government.

In the last few weeks, Penang has seen a series of vitriolic episodes beginning with demonstrations by UMNO leaders and supporters in Seberang Jaya, in which threats to repeat May 13 were made, provocative banners put up in front of churches, Molotov cocktails (fire bombs) thrown into a church compound, and the desecration of a mosque with meat in Bukit Mertajam. This is on top of violent threats made to Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, whereby RM1,200 was offered to anyone who could slap her and record the incident.

In addition, there have also been false allegations this past week by the Chairman of a Parents Teacher Association(PTA) that Malay Bibles were being distributed to Malay children at the Sekolah Menengah Haji Zainal Abidin in George Town. Another false allegation is by an UMNO Youth Terengganu leader that the Penang state government is planning to ban Friday sermons.

Continue reading ‘Penangites Are Smart Enough To Distinguish Lies Which Will Not Succeed In Undermining And Destabilising The PR Penang State Government From Fulfilling Our Historic 68% Mandate To Deliver A People-Centric Government.(EN/CN)’

When Some States Are Willing To Offer Free Land, The Successful Sale Of 245 Acres Of Land In Batu Kawan To An Economic Catalyst Like IKEA Will Ensure The Success Of A Self-Contained And Fully Equipped Modern City Suburb In Batu Kawan As Well As Boost Economic Growth For Penang. (EN/BM/CN)

Published on February 21, 2014, 5:15 pm in Federal government. 0 Comments

Press Statement By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng In Komtar, George Town On 21.2.2014.

When Some States Are Willing To Offer Free Land, The Successful Sale Of 245 Acres Of Land In Batu Kawan To An Economic Catalyst Like IKEA Will Ensure The Success Of A Self-Contained And Fully Equipped Modern City Suburb In Batu Kawan As Well As Boost Economic Growth For Penang.

When some states are willing to offer free land, the successful sale of 245 acres of land in Batu Kawan to an economic catalyst like IKEA will ensure the success of a self-contained and fully equipped modern city suburb in Batu Kawan as well as boost economic growth for Penang. The state government regrets criticisms made by our political opponents, who claimed that the state government has sold the land too cheaply to IKEA. IKEA’s land is priced at RM45 per square feet on a “as is where is” basis.

Continue reading ‘When Some States Are Willing To Offer Free Land, The Successful Sale Of 245 Acres Of Land In Batu Kawan To An Economic Catalyst Like IKEA Will Ensure The Success Of A Self-Contained And Fully Equipped Modern City Suburb In Batu Kawan As Well As Boost Economic Growth For Penang. (EN/BM/CN)’

ENOUGH WATER FOR PENANG STATE HIGH DEMAND DURING THIS DRY SEASON. NO NEED FOR WATER RATIONING NOW

Published on February 21, 2014, 5:09 pm in Penang. 0 Comments

Press Statement by Chairman of PBAPP, YAB Lim Guan Eng
in Komtar, George Town, Penang on 20/2/2014

ENOUGH WATER FOR PENANG STATE HIGH DEMAND DURING THIS DRY SEASON. NO NEED FOR WATER RATIONING NOW.

From the information provided by the management of Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), the Penang State Government informs Penang consumers that PBAPP is ready to face the dry weather. Every year we ensure that the water levels in the dams are at the maximum level at beginning of January. In fact, the dry spell is not an unusual phenomenon as it is an annual occurrence and expects the dry weather to last until April when the inter-monsoon season starts.

The water level at the Air Itam Dam is at 71% capacity and sufficient for 70 days of supply, Mengkuang Dam is at 50.5% capacity and sufficient for 84 days of supply while Teluk Bahang Dam is at 91% capacity which is sufficient for 277 days of supply. There is no need for water rationing now.

Continue reading ‘ENOUGH WATER FOR PENANG STATE HIGH DEMAND DURING THIS DRY SEASON. NO NEED FOR WATER RATIONING NOW’

Let Us Defeat The Destructive Elements Behind The Treacherous Desecration On The Cheruk Tok Kun Mosque In Bukit Mertajam By Celebrating Both Our Uniqueness And Differences To Preserve Social Harmony And Peace.(EN/BM/CN)

Published on February 17, 2014, 11:06 am in Federal government. 0 Comments

Press Statement By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng In Komtar, George Town On 17.2.2014.

Let Us Defeat The Destructive Elements Behind The Treacherous Desecration On The Cheruk Tok Kun Mosque In Bukit Mertajam By Celebrating Both Our Uniqueness And Differences To Preserve Social Harmony And Peace.

The Penang state government has always believed that mutual respect, social harmony and peace in our diverse community can only be achieved when we celebrate both our uniqueness and differences. However this approach towards social harmony and peace has been challenged continuously by various incidents from the fire-bombing of a church last month, the fire-bombing of a police station early this month and the latest desecration of a mosque yesterday, when meat believed to be pork was thrown into the compound.

Clearly these destructive groups involved in such treacherous acts against religious places of worship have not given up on undermining and destablising the PR Penang state government. Whilst the state government will hold firm to the mandate given by the rakyat in giving a 68% popular support in the last general elections, there is genuine concern that these destructive groups will not stop until they have achieved their purpose against the state government.

Unsubstantiated reports of 3 men distributing Malay bibles to Malay children outside a school in George Town that were widely published, has only added on to the uncertainty and confusion. Despite these press reports, no police reports have been lodged nor anyone seen who these 3 men were, so that the police can take action.

Continue reading ‘Let Us Defeat The Destructive Elements Behind The Treacherous Desecration On The Cheruk Tok Kun Mosque In Bukit Mertajam By Celebrating Both Our Uniqueness And Differences To Preserve Social Harmony And Peace.(EN/BM/CN)’

It Is Not Anwar Ibrahim That Poses A Threat To Fundamental Human Rights But An Unprincipled And Spineless MCA That Is A Traitor To Their Cause And A Slave To Racists And Religious Extremists. (En/Cn)

Published on February 16, 2014, 2:49 pm in Federal government. 0 Comments

Press Statement By DAP Secretary-General Lim Guan Eng And MP For Bagan In Kuala Lumpur On 16.2.2014.

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It Is Not Anwar Ibrahim That Poses A Threat To Fundamental Human Rights But An Unprincipled And Spineless MCA That Is A Traitor To Their Cause And A Slave To Racists And Religious Extremists.
—––—————————————————————–

MCA new President Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai should learn from his predecessor Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek’s example in admitting his personal defects, instead of using twisted logic and lies to cover up MCA’s failings to promote Chinese education or protect fundamental civil and political liberties. Blaming Parliamentary Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for causing Operasi Lallang in 1987, where 116 political leaders and NGOs were detained without trial under the Internal Security Act(ISA), defies logic and denies the truth when it is not Anwar, but Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad who was the Home Minister that signed the detention orders.

I can vouch that Anwar was not involved because I was amongst those detained, being the first to be arrested on 27 October 1987 and the last to be released on April 19 1989. My detention order, like those for DAP leaders such as Karpal Singh and Lim Kit Siang, was signed by Tun Dr Mahathir.Amongst the reasons for my detention without trial under the ISA was that I had defended Chinese education.

I have faith with Anwar because Anwar had come to terms with the corruption and the wrongs committed by UMNO and BN when he was an UMNO leader. Even though he personally never committed the corrupt acts, he never denied that he was guilty by association. He had explained many times that he thought he could change UMNO and BN from within but when he failed, he finally broke with Tun Dr Mahathir and had to suffer selective prosecution and relentless persecution, leading to him being imprisoned for 6 years and being beaten up black and blue.

Continue reading ‘It Is Not Anwar Ibrahim That Poses A Threat To Fundamental Human Rights But An Unprincipled And Spineless MCA That Is A Traitor To Their Cause And A Slave To Racists And Religious Extremists. (En/Cn)’

Challenge Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin To Guarantee That There Will Be No Highway Toll Hikes Next Year And The Following Years Until The Next General Elections(en/cn)

Published on February 9, 2014, 11:37 pm in Federal government. 0 Comments

Press Statement By DAP Secretary-General And MP For Bagan Lim Guan Eng In Kuala Lumpur On 8.2.2014.

Challenge Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin To Guarantee That There Will Be No Highway Toll Hikes Next Year And The Following Years Until The Next General Elections To Prove That BN’s Decision To Defer The Proposed Toll Hikes This Year Is Not Motivated By The Kajang State By-election On March 23.

DAP challenges Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to guarantee that there will be no highway toll hikes next year and the following years until the next general elections to prove that BN’s decision to defer the proposed toll hikes this year is not motivated by the Kajang state by-election on March 23. Muhyidin was responding to my criticism that this is an opportunistic political tactic clearly intended to try to win the hearts and votes for BN in Kajang, which is serviced by many highways.

Continue reading ‘Challenge Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin To Guarantee That There Will Be No Highway Toll Hikes Next Year And The Following Years Until The Next General Elections(en/cn)’

The Police Have To Be Fully Responsible For Their Failure To Either Prevent Racial Tensions Or Violence Or For Failing To Ensure The Personal And Physical Safety Of Teresa Kok.(en/bm/cn)

Published on February 7, 2014, 11:40 pm in Nation Building. 0 Comments

Press Statement By DAP Secretary-General and MP for Bagan Lim Guan Eng In Kuala Lumpur On 7.2.2014.

DAP condemns in the strongest possible terms the outrageous act by pro-UMNO groups at Kuala Lumpur yesterday in encouraging criminal acts of violence against a woman by offering to give RM 1,200 to any person who can film DAP National Vice-Chair and MP for Seputih Teresa Kok being slapped and also urging that non-Malays not fluent in Malay be expelled from the country. These pro-UMNO groups dare to provoke criminal wrongdoings because the practice of double-standards and politicisation of police and prosecution powers have allowed these pro-UMNO groups to escape unpunished whilst the opposition are victimised for offences they did not commit.

DAP is concerned for Teresa’s safety and will make necessary arrangements with her consent to ensure maximum protection from her. However no protection is full-proof when dealing with racists and fanatics who will do anything for monetary gain.

Continue reading ‘The Police Have To Be Fully Responsible For Their Failure To Either Prevent Racial Tensions Or Violence Or For Failing To Ensure The Personal And Physical Safety Of Teresa Kok.(en/bm/cn)’