International city bid on the right track
PENANG is on the right track towards becoming an international city, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.
He said the state had recorded several firsts that had given it an impetus toward striving hard to attain international recognition.
“Penang was the first state to eradicate hardcore poverty besides being the first to implement a No Plastic Bag Day on every Monday to protect the environment.
“More importantly, we attracted a record-breaking investment of RM10.2bil last year and our assets are now about RM1bil,” he said at the state-level Deepavali open house celebrations at the Chai Leng Park multipurpose hall here on Thursday night.
Lim said Penang needed to gain more recognition from international institutions to stay afloat such as Transparency Inter-national’s (TI) recognition of Penang’s efforts in fighting corruption.
He said Penang was also now a choice destination for tourists following George Town’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
“We are also proud to have a Seberang Prai-based company that produces biodegradable plates, cups and utensils to help reduce the use of non-biodegradable polystyrene utensils.
“Our next target is become the first state to provide free Wifi service statewide by the end of next year,” he added.
Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and his consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff, several state exco members, state assemblymen, diplomats and dignitaries were among the thousands of guests at the event.
Penang-based singers S. Gunaseelan, TMS Shankar, J. Sumathi and Santhana Mary as well as members from Kogila Dance Aca- demy of Butterworth and Nathan & Murugan Nadaswaram troupe provided entertainment.
The Star Saturday October 24, 2009
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2009/10/24/north/4962332&sec=North#
Daftarlah Sebagai Rakan DAP! 
http://greenstate.penang.gov.my
