Press Statement by Lim Guan Eng in Penang Red Rock Hotel on Sunday, 9^th March 2008: 

DAP and PKR state government will pursue investor-friendly policies to ensure that Penang retains its edge as the leading industrial and manufacturing region and put public interest first in the implementation or review of any projects or policies 

Penang DAP/PKR state government will pursue investor-friendly policies to ensure that Penang retains its edge as the leading industrial and manufacturing region and put public interest first in the implementation or review of any projects or policies. We wish to assure both local and foreign investors that we are fully cognizant of the importance of their major contribution to our state’s economy. The manufacturing sector comprises around 42% of the state’s GDP and employs approximately 200,000 workers, of which half are in the electronics sector.

We shall be holding dialogues, discussions and consultations with industry, commerce and SMIs upon taking up the reins of government. I shall be directing newly-elected MP for Jelutong Jeff Ooi and MP for Batu Kawan/ADUN for Prai, Prof P. Ramasamy, as well as our Bayan Baru MP Datuk Zaharin bin to assist and liaise with the relevant groups.

We also intend to fulfill our promises made during the general elections and in regards to certain projects and policies will always put public interest first in the implementation or review of any projects or policies. The people demand transparency and accountability in the issuance of government contracts and this new state government shall insist on an open public tender system.

Let us assure the people of Penang again that we will be fair to all and discriminate no one. We will always be your government representing everyone in this multi-racial and multi-religious society.

I have been carrying out many discussions with various groups and individuals in forming the new state government. As these duties take up a lot of my time, I have been unable to personally thank all Penang voters for their overwhelming support, especially my constituents in Bagan parliamentary seat and the Air Putih state seat for electing me. However I shall personally do so once the major part of forming the new state government is completed.

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