Malaysia Day Message For Penang by Lim Guan Eng in Komtar, George Town on Thursday, 15^th September 2011: 

The next 6 months will determine whether the boldest political experiment of establishing a people-centric government will prevail or perish from Penang? 

The next 6 months will determine whether the boldest political experiment in the 2008 general elections of establishing a people-centric government will prevail or perish from Penang. Over the last 3 and a half years, there is a not only a cleaner, greener and safer Penang but also witnessed a change of mindset and renewed confidence.

Penangites are more confident and hence more optimistic about the future because they can rely on a people-centric government that listens to them, do the people's work and gives hope for a better future. Similarly there is a recognition that we will be rewarded for hard work, being honest and continuously pursue excellence. There is no substitute for performance, productivity and proficiency.

However the greatest change in mindset is brought about by the emphasis of the Pakatan Rakyat people-centric government on upholding rule of law. That one does not need to go through middle-men or know third parties to get any transaction done in Penang. We need only to know the rules and the law.

By ensuring there is not only certainty but also clarity, we can enjoy prosperity together. The PR state government has worked hard to regain the people's trust and confidence in the state government. To overcome public distrust of the state government as an institution that does not help but harm the people, PR has terminated the politics of patronage, cronyism and corruption.

Let us inspire hope by stressing on performance not privilege, expertise not entitlement and integrity not corruption. Let us be bonded by our common aspirations for justice, freedom, truth, democracy and social welfare for the weak and poor.

Only an economy free from corruption can we ensure that the people prosper and benefit. Let us embrace a future free from fear and cronyism. Let us embrace the future by embracing every Malay, Indian, Chinese, Kadazan and Iban, as Malaysian brothers and sisters, Malaysian sons and daughters.

To mark Malaysia Day in Penang, the Penang Hill Corporation is offering free train rides up Penang Hill on 16 September 2011 for all Malaysians from Sabah or Sarawak for one day.

*Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister