Welcome speech by Lim Guan Eng at the briefing on Greater Penang Transformation Programme at Auditorium A, Level 5, Komtar, George Town on Thursday, 2^nd June 2011: 

A minimum wage package must be an essential aspect of Greater Penang Masterplan 

First and foremost, I wish to express my warm greetings and appreciation to YB Senator Dato' Sri Idris Jala and his team for being here today to present an overview of Greater Penang Masterplan(GPM) We are grateful that the State and Federal Government are able to work closely together in bringing about a programme of change and transformation for the people of Penang. The formulation of GPM shall encapsulate initiatives and ambition to bring sustainable economic growth with social equality that is essentially:-

• Pro-growth

• Pro-jobs;

• Pro-talent

• Pro-welfare; and

• Pro-poor.

To this end, the GPM must include a minimum wage package for Penang. Whilst the level can be subject to discussions with all stakeholders, a minimum wage level must be implemented in Penang soon. The GPM must draw policies and projects that allows Penang to attain our aspirations to be an international and intelligent city. Human talent is a key resource. So is overcoming the infrastructure bottlenecks and inadequacies not just in roads and physical communications but also digital broadband.

Penang as an international and intelligent city must also be livable by addressing the 3Cs issue of crime, cleanliness and traffic congestion. Penang has made much headway but unless the GPM attending to the needs of 3Cs, any success will only be limited.

I hope the joint effort between the State and the Federal Government with other key stakeholders identified will be able to bring in high-value added activities while positioning Penang as a international business and service hub. This includes attraction of talents, building creativity and innovation in science and technology, establishing as an international and liveable city, improving transportation and infrastructure, promoting green spaces, better connectivity and overall improvement of quality of life.

It is clear that Penang has achieved much in recent years. To name a few, Penang led the investment charts with RM12.26 billion of Malaysia's total investment of RM42.7 billion or 36% of Malaysia¡¯s FDI; the first green state in Malaysia; the highest reduction in crime index(27%) in the country, top in medical tourism with 60% of Malaysia¡¯s receipts, Penang's effort to protect, preserve and promote UNESCO World Heritage City of George Town and many other achievements.

Penang is buzzing with excitement and is described as the most happening city in the country. This can only happen with the co-operation from the Federal government where we must harness the energy, expertise and entrepreneurship of Penangites from all sectors to make the GPM a success.

The state government has demonstrated our sincerity for a effective and mature working relationship with the Federal government by discarding our Penang Industrial Blueprint 2011-2015 for the GPM. Last but not least, the State Government of Penang is looking forward for a greater cooperation with PEMANDU and relevant key stakeholders to materialize a programme focused on the priorities of PEOPLE of Penang.

*Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister