Penang Thaipusam Day Message by Lim Guan Eng in Komtar, George Town on Monday, 6^th February 2012: 

Penang Thaipusam Day Message  

A cleaner, greener & safer Penang creates not just a sense of belonging and togetherness but also a sense of ownership that protects the future for our children regardless of race or religion

As we once again celebrate Thaipusam, Penang is proud to welcome a new addition in the area near the Waterfall Temple, which serves as a climax to the celebration. Malaysia's tallest statue of Lord Shiva will be unveiled for the first time to Thaipusam revellers.

The Nattukkottai Chettiar Arulmigu Sri Thandayuthapani Temple has also recently completed a RM1 million renovation. Hindus will also be eagerly awaiting for the new Waterfall temple on the hill by the end of this year.

As the Thaipusam celebrations grow in strength every year, the Hindu Endowment Board(HEB) plays a critical role in ensuring its success. As the only such board in the country, the State government has increased its allocation to nearly 10 times to RM 1 million annually. This has enabled the HEB to expand its role beyond the proper management of temples but also providing assistance and cash grants for students.

Like other Penangites, the Indians here have stood up for their rights in the 2008 general election by voting in a people-centric government that listens to the people instead of lying to them, that do the people's work instead of their private and cronies' work, and give hope to the people instead of spreading gloom and doom amongst the young.

For the first time in history, there is an Indian Deputy Chief Minister and Tamil schools have improved its facilities and basic amenities following the fixed annual allocation of funds of RM1.75 million yearly. Cash contributions and even land are also made available for Tamil school and Indian temple construction. For the first in Malaysian history, Tamil road signs are put up in George Town.

For this reason, there is not only a sense of belonging and togetherness but also a sense of ownership in Penang, that each and every one of us has a stake and share in Penang's success. Penang Hindus and Indians do not walk alone towards exercising our rights based on freedom, justice, truth, social welfare and democracy. We walk together in togetherness and belonging, with faith that a Cleaner, Greener and Safer Penang would be owned by all regardless of race or religion.

*Lim Guan Eng, Penang Chief Minister