DAP Penang

Only 6% Of The Population Yet Penang Contributes 36% Of Malaysia’s FDI In 2010: Penang Must Not Live In The Past But Learn From The Past So That We Can Save The Future For Our Children.
The Jasmine Revolution in the Middle-East will have serious repercussions not just geo-politically but even economically. The political crisis have disrupted global oil supplies and caused oil prices to rise dramatically. This has introduced an element of uncertainty in global economic growth. As a result, many countries including Singapore and Malaysia will likely call for general elections sooner rather than later when the economy may deteriorate.

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) 5.8 % Dividend Or RM21.61 Billion Payout For 2010 As Compared To 2009’s 5.65% Is Inadequate And Not Commensurate With The 40% Increase In EPF’s Gross Investment Income.

DAP expresses disappointment at the declaration by EPF of a mere 5.8% dividend or RM 21.61 billion payout for 2010 as inadequate and not commensurate with the 40% increase in EPF gross investment income of RM24.06 billion as compared to 2009′s RM17.22 billion. As compared to 2009’s 5.65% dividend, this increase of only 0.15% to 5.8% dividend does not reflect the economic recovery of Malaysia in 2010 with an expected growth rate of 7.2%

How does one acclaim a man who is a living legend? Recognised by every Malaysian for his tireless advocacy for justice and freedom. Acknowledged by friend and foe as an indefatigable fighter for a better Malaysia. And admired universally for his unquestioned courage, incorruptibility and integrity.

Shakespeare wrote that some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ‘em.

Royal Malaysia Police(PDRM) will undo all their efforts in reducing crime by allowing themselves to be exploited as political tools of BN to be unleashed as and when necessary against those who oppose BN. The arrests of Human Rights Party(HRP) protesting against some derogatory contents in the school text “Interlok” is regrettable and an abuse of basic human rights and freedom to protest peacefully.

DAP urges the BN government to take into account the genuine concerns of Malaysians who feel insulted by derogatory descriptions in the book. Any failure to address these concerns would only show that 1Malaysia is all talk and no action.

Penang hopes that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop can urge the Federal government to reveal how much has been allocated for Penang under the 10th Malaysian Plan. So far no information has been forthcoming about the projects and funding for Penang even though the 10th Malaysian Plan was unveiled on 10 June 2010 in Parliament by the Prime Minister.

RM230 billion was set out for the 10MP with 60 % physical development and 40 % non-physical development based on 7 key thrusts identified namely

DAP supports the suggestion of not only retaining the EOC in the New Economic Model(NEM) as suggested by National Economic Advisory Council member Datuk Dr Zainal Aznam Mohd Yusof but also an Equal Opportunity Act to allow us to maximize human talents and stop the flow of 2 million Malayisan who have left the country since Merdeka in 1957.

Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance President Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas said that such a law would allow equal chances to all and develop sustainable economic policies. Increasingly many Malays are also leaving, just look at Dubai. The terrible cost we are paying can be seen by the failure to realize our full economic potential causing Malaysia to lose out to other countries that were far behind us previously.

National Economic Advisory Council member Zainal Aznam Mohd Yusof revelations that Perkasa can censor key provisions in the NEM’s such as proposing an equal opportunities commission, political reforms and a performance-based system. Speaking yesterday at a forum in Kuala Lumpur, Zainal Aznam added that listening to Perkasa meant that the cabinet had failed the test on reforms.

He added that “This was the government’s litmus test and at this time, I have to say that there is no political will.” What difference is BN from Perkasa when Perkasa can exercise such strong influence to completely sabotage the NEM?

The Penang state government welcomes the announcement by Minister in the Prime Minister Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon that Penangites stand to benefit greatly as 10 out of the 12 NKEAs focus on the development of Penang. Koh had stressed at the Penang Chinese Town Hall two days ago that the Federal government had not ignored Penang and would place greater emphasis on the state so it would not be left out of the nation’s mainstream development.

Since Koh said that amongst the 10 out of 12 NKEAs that Penang would benefit are the electronics industry, communications, tourism and health care, Penang hopes that he would provide details. When 19 Entry Points Projects(EPP) involving RM67 billion in investments, creating 35,000 jobs and increasing Gross National Income(GNI) by RM35 billion were unveiled last month, not one of the EPPs was located in Penang.

Penang Can Be A Portrait Of Progress When Both Penangites Regains Their Trust In Their State Government And The Government Has Faith In The Wisdom Of The People.

The Penang state government wishes all Penangites a Happy Chinese New Year of the Rabbit. Penang can be a portrait of progress when both Penangites regains their trust in their state government and the government has faith in the wisdom of the people.

Let us embrace the future by embracing every Malay, Indian, Chinese, Kadazan and Iban as Malaysian brothers and sisters, Malaysian sons and daughters.

In the Chinese New Year Of the Rabbit, DAP wishes all Malaysians a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous new year. DAP also expresses our condolences and sympathies to those who lost loved ones and suffered losses in the massive floods affecting Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

The 4 PR States RM 25 Billion Investments Have Beat The Other 10 BN States Attracted 53% Of Malaysia’s Total Investments Of RM 47.2 Billion In 2010.

The 4 PR states of Penang, Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan have beat the other 10 BN states by attracting RM25 billion in investments comprising 53% of Malaysia’s total investments of RM47.2 billion in 2010. For the first time in history, Penang is now the new champion of investments in Malaysia, coming out top in 2010.

DAP wishes to extend our congratulations to the Royal Malaysian Navy for its success in capturing 18 Somali pirates and preventing their attempted hijack of a Malaysian chemical tanker near the Gulf of Aden. This successful operation in saving the tanker and their crew without any loss of life inspires confidence in a professional navy that justifies the people’s faith.

Not Just Petronas But BN Must Come Clean On The Scandal Of Huge Illicit Capital Outflows Of RM888 Billion From Malaysia In 9 Years From 2000-2008, The Fifth Highest In The World Amongst Developing Countries.

Malaysians Can Make Our Common Aspirations Of Freedom, Justice, Democracy And Truth Come True If We Remember That It Is Not Who We Are But What We Are That Is Important.

DAP wishes the Hindus and Tamil community a Happy Thaipusam that marks the victory of the God Murugan over evil.

The message of victory of good over evil is universal. Even in this modern world, good values and principles still matter. Despite our differences and diversity, we can seek common ground and unity in freedom, justice, democracy and truth.

According to Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA), Penang is the No.1 state for total capital investments in manufacturing projects in 2010 attracting RM 12,238 million, up nearly 5 times as compared to RM 2,165 million in 2009. This is the first time in history that Penang has topped the list of investments amongst all states and is the highest investment received ever. This success is due to the hard work by the 1.6 million Penangites together with state government leaders and agencies as well as federal government agencies from MIDA and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

DAP express shock at the latest proposal by the EC to implement a proxy voting system that would empower individuals to cast ballots on behalf of other registered voters. EC chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof even said that this was amongst some proposed 30 amendments to election laws in the country that the commission hoped to table in the coming Parliament sitting in March.

Are these and the proxy voting system the newest strategy by EC to assist BN to defend Putrajaya at all costs and win the 13th General Elections? By revealing as many 30 proposed changes without first discussing with opposition parties indicates that the EC wants to surprise and handicap PR who may not have the time, manpower and resources to cope with the latest changes. How then can EC by trusted as a credible body that is free, fair, neutral and independent in conducting elections?

MPPP Will Be Paying A Net Sum Of RM 11.5 Million Cash In Exchange For A Penang People’s Park(PPP) That Will Give Penangites A sub-terranean New Convention Centre(sPICE) Worth RM300 Million, A New 7 Acre Public Park, Upagraded and Refurbished PISA And Aquatic Centre.

Majlis Perbandaran has approved by open tender the construction of a Malaysia’s first sub-terranean convention center costing RM300 million known as sub-terranean Penang International Convention & Exhibition(sPICE) Centre. There were 3 companies that submitted a formal Request for Proposal under an open tender system beginning in 2009, and the best offer and design was awarded to a subsidiary company of listed company and renowned property developer, S.P Setia Bhd.

Whilst welcoming the New Year, we should not forget the contributions of our past leaders.The PR Penang state government has marked Tun Dato Seri Utama Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu’s immense contributions by renaming longest Expressway in Penang of 18km and the PDC Building in Jalan Mayang Pasir after him.The personal tribute by me to Tun Dato Seri Utama Dr Lim Chong Eu is reminder to all that in embracing the new, we should not forget the old. After all we must understand the past to be connected to the present so that we can peer confidently into the future.

The inaugural “Unforgettable George Town” Heritage Festival in July this year beckoned to halcyon days gone by when Penang was a premier free port, a prosperous trading hub, the centre of intellectual vigour and learning as well as possessing a vibrant cultural community.