Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Chan Lilian
EVERY issue which needs to be brought up in the State Legislative Assembly sitting needs to be analysed diligently and be presented professionally
without been driven by emotion.
This was the advice of Governor Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas to executive councilors and assemblymembers at the opening of the 13th Penang
Legislative Assembly on May 10. He also hoped co-operation will be given to the state leadership under the guidance of Chief Minister Lim Guan
Eng.
Also present were Penang Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Lim, State Secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus, Deputy Chief
Minister 1 Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, Deputy Chief Minister 11 Prof. Dr. P. Ramasamy and other dignitaries.
Abdul Rahman also praised the state’s financial standing for 2015, where Penang recorded increased revenue, saying that the state recorded
a total investment of RM6.7 billion from 107 projects for 2015.
“Every year from 2008, there was a surplus budget. This shows that the Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT), management
not only can guarantee clean and accountable spending, but also help in social aid and infrastructure projects,” he said.
Abdul Rahman admitted there might not be 100 per cent agreement between all parties.
Be diligent, professional, says Governor when it comes to politics.
“A check and balance system is needed to ensure the people’s interests are protected,” he said.
He told them to put aside personal issues and to continue with the existing system based on trust.
“To the elected representatives, you must watch your behaviour and what you say whether inside or outside the House because you are leaders
and you are supposed to lead by example,” he said.
He also mentioned the prolonged dry spell, noting that the recorded rainfall for April was only 30 percent of the annual average rainfall.
He said Penang Water Supply Corporation’s aggressive and proactive measures were necessary to prevent water rationing that could lead to
losses and affect the people, businesses and investors.
In winding up his speech, the Governor expressed his thanks to those who gave their best and fair contributions to
all involved. He also conveyed his gratitude to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his team in ensuring that Penang will continue to prosper
and remain competitive at the international scene.
Meanwhile, Penang Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang said the motion to limit the tenure of the Penang
Chief Minister to two terms was rejected.
The two-point motion was submitted by assembly member for Tanjung Bungah, Teh Yee Cheu in March, calling for the state
constitutional committee to discuss and study the feasibility of limiting the term of the chief minister to two consecutive terms.
The second point of his motion is for Article 7(9) of the state constitution to be amended to include the clause that any individual
appointed to hold the chief minister post be limited to only two consecutive terms.
“There is nothing presently in the state constitution to limit the chief minister to only two consecutive terms,” Law told reporters
at the side line of the assembly opening