What the Auditor-General said about Penang

T
he Penang state government continues to be in the good books of the Auditor General, who commended its improved financial position in 2010 compared to 2009.

According to the latest AG report, Penang's consolidated revenue grew by 2.7 percent, from RM1,101.89 million for 2009 to RM1,131.17 million in 2010. The consolidated cash reserve rose by 6.2 percent to RM572.49 million, up from RM538.95 million in 2009.

Penang tells Koh to wake up to reality

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 — Penang has fired another volley in a roiling debate with the previous Gerakan-led administration, insisting that Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon’s claim that investments take more than five years to be realised does not “tally with the real situation on the ground.”

Datuk Lee Kah Choon, the former Gerakan leader who was appointed chief of Invest Penang by current Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, refuted today Koh’s claim that shifting an entire company to Penang took much longer than the “weeks” the DAP-led administration claimed on Saturday.

‘Penang neither anti-Malay nor anti-Chinese’

Penang state exco and state DAP leader Chow Kon Yeow asks BN and its media allies to stop fuelling racial discontent.

PETALING JAYA: Penang state exco Chow Kon Yeow today defended the DAP-led state administration from accusations of racial bias and urged Barisan Nasional to look at bigger problems such as graft.

“As far as the mainstream media are concerned, it is easier to attack Penang than investigate more serious forms of abuse of power and corruption in Barisan Nasional-governed states,” said the state DAP chairman.

The Tanjong MP and Padang Kota state assemblyman cited examples of how little discourse there has been on Sarawak Chief Minister Taib Mahmud’s “rule” in the state.

Likewise, he added, there was also a “blackout” on the subject of defence procurements, especially with regards questionable commissions paid out in the purchase of Scorpene submarines.

Now, RM100 for newborn babies in Penang

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said all newborn babies in Penang will get a one-off' RM100 present from the state government starting this year.This is similar to the practise in Selangor, mooted by Mentri Besar Khalid Ibrahim.

According to Guan Eng, the Program Anak Emas Pulau Pinang or Penang Golden Child Programme may cost the state between RM5mil and RM10mil a year.

Under the scheme, a newborn Penangite would be entitled to the RM100 grant so long as one of their parents is a Penang voter and that the total family income does not exceed RM4,000.

Guan Eng said the proposal would be presented at the state executive committee meeting this week for discussion.