Press conference statement by Lim Guan Eng in PDC Headquarters, Penang on Monday, 2^nd August 2010: 

Penang's international open tender of Bayan Mutiara's 60 acres of land and 40 acres of reclaimed land will allow the implementation of social programs consistent with a people-centric government 

Penang's international open tender of Bayan Mutiara's 60 acres of land and 40 acres of reclaimed land will allow the implementation of social programs consistent with a people-centric government. Without adequate funding from the Federal government and non-co-operation or even sabotage by Little Napoleon federal government officers, the Penang state government has no choice but to find our own resources to raise much needed development funds.

Penang hopes to transform itself into an international city that is a location of choice for investors, a destination of choice for tourists and a habitat of choice for those who desire sustainable living. We need to understand why Penang is a location of choice for investors. There are 7 key factors that accounts for our success as a location of choice for investors:-

1. Ready availability of human talent;

2. Effective and efficient supply chain management

3. Competent and reliable logistics and communications hub

4. Strong Intellectual Property protection

5. Good governance and strong leadership

6. Building creativity and innovation in science and technology, and

7. Livable city

Penang as a livable city is also a principal reason why Penang is becoming a destination of choice for tourists. ECA International recently selected Penang as the 8th most livable city in Asia, on par with Kuala Lumpur. Penang has been voted consistently as having one of the best if not the best street food in the world and possessing a UNESCO World Heritage City of George Town for our outstanding universal value of cultural diversity and living heritage.

There are 7 elements of change towards retaining Penang's premier position as the most livable and vibrant city in Malaysia.

1. security and stability category such as crime rates and civil unrest.

2. good governance and effective leadership,

3. economic vibrancy and competitiveness, and

4. quality of life and diversity.

5. environmental friendliness and sustainability,

6. heritage conservation, and

7. intelligent city encompassing human, collective, digital, institutional and integrity intelligence.

We believe that sustainability allows for unbalanced economic growth but there must be equitable development that is available for all, especially the poor.

Penang must find its own niche as an international city. Branding for Penang is important that is synonymous with quality, reliability, safety, sustainability, integrity and affordability. We hope that the international tender of Bayan Mutiara will open up opportunity for the branding of Penang on the world stage.

*Lim Guan Eng, DAP Secretary General & Penang Chief Minister