Media statement by Lim Guan Eng in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, 18^th August 2011: 

UMNO should show proof or else stop its vicious lies that the Economist was paid off to write a favourable article about the new PR Government  

UMNO should show proof to back up its wild allegations or else stop its vicious lies that The Economist was paid off to write a favourable article about how the new PR state government has incresed Penang's economic development and investments. UMNO had spread such lies of a payoff in relation to the 13th August issue of The Economist, under the title of Malaysia's Penang state, "Getting back its mojo!"(After a slump, an early engine of globalisation is thriving again).

On August 16, 2011 UMNO MP for Kota Belud Abdul Rahman Dahlan twitted,

"As usual. Must must read! RT @satD: @cmlimguaneng @limkitsiang how much u paid Economist 4 D Mojo Advertorial?"

Clearly UMNO is unhappy at the praise heaped on the new PR state government for its success in fighting corruption and running a clean government as well as stressing on performance, productivity and proficiency through its acclaimed open tender system. This has caused a revival of Penang into a thriving engine of globalisation that aims to be not just a sweat-shop of the manufacturing sector but also a smart-shop for the services industry like medical tourism, high-tech and knowledge based.

PR adoption of a successful model of governance centered on a clean government and competency has allowed Penang to attract the highest investments in its history with RM12.24 billion in 2010. The concluding remarks by the Economist has caused much concern amongst BN supporters, "Little wonder, then, that Penang has become a political weathervane as much as a lesson in economic development."

Instead of trying to compete with Penang PR on ideas, BN is trying to sabotage our efforts with vicious lies. I wish to remind BN that PR does not engage in such dishonest practices like some Federal government leaders in buying off journalists for favourable reviews. And not everyone can be bought, certainly not the Economist. As the most reputable economic magazine in the world, BN's allegations of PR buying off The Economist reputation has no credibility whatsoever.

The UMNO Kota Belud MP should show proof or retract his allegation and apologise for trying to undermine and diminish the hard work of 1.6 million Penangites, who in the last 3 years have successfully turned around the graceful decline of Penang over the previous 18 years.

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