Allocation by the Penang State Government [Program Emas, AES & annual allocations for vernacular schools, independent Chinese secondary and religious schools]

ALLOCATION BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT [PROGRAM EMAS, AGENDA EKONOMI SAKSAMA (AES) & ANNUAL ALLOCATIONS FOR VERNACULAR SCHOOLS, INDEPENDENT CHINESE SECONDARY AND RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS]

The Pakatan Harapan-led State Government of Penang which has governed since 2008 is a State Government that is Competent, Accountable and Transparent (CAT) in carrying out administration and shouldering the people’s trust. This was proven by the recognition from Transparency International of the Penang State Government as the first government in Malaysia to practice open tender system.

In the course of 8 years, the Pakatan Harapan State Government is able to fairly safeguard and ensure equal fairness for all Penangites without taking in account race, religion, gender or political leanings. The State Government is able to carry out various social and welfare programmes through state economic growth that is both sustainable and inclusive. The State Government’s clean administration can be seen as follows:

1. Pakatan Harapan State Government enjoys an annual surplus budget which now stands at RM503 million within a 7-year administration period (2008-2014) as compared to a surplus of RM373 million over a 50 year rule (1957-2007) under the previous State Government. It is abundantly clear that the 7 years of Pakatan Harapan State Government rule in Penang is far more effective than the previous 50 years;
2. Pakatan Harapan State Government has successfully reduced the State Government’s debt amounting to 90% whereas most countries are facing Government debts being increased at 100% including the Federal Government of Malaysia;
3. The unemployment rate in Penang was reduced to 1.7%; and
4. Pakatan Harapan State Government has reduced income inequality with the Gini Coefficient at 0.37 in 2012 as compared to 0.42 in 2009, the largest drop in 3 years in Malaysia.

We aim to make Penang a welfare state without going bankrupt!

Penang’s ‘Program Emas’

The State Government gives a yearly appreciation sum of RM100 to senior citizens; people with special needs (OKU); single mothers and housewives who do not work. To further reduce financial burdens on parents, the State Government also provides a one-off RM100 to students in Primary 1 & 4 as well as Secondary 1 & 4 in the Golden Students Programme; a one-off RM200 for Golden Child Programme and a one-off RM1,000 for undergraduates. To alleviate costs incurred by dependents of senior citizens, single mothers and OKU in making funeral arrangements, the State Government extends a one-off assistance of RM1,000.

Register now for these programmes if you have not done so!

The total expenditure for the ‘Program Emas’ from 2009 until 20 November 2015 amounts to RM176.06 million. The breakdown of expenses is as follows:

Agenda Ekonomi Saksama (AES)

The State Government has introduced a programme known as ‘Agenda Ekonomi Saksama’ (AES) to ensure that each family will receive a minimum monthly income of RM790. For any family earning a monthly income less than RM790, the State Government will top-up the remaining balance until RM790 is reached. As example, if a family earns RM600 a month, the State Government will provide them with a monthly sum of RM190.

Fixed Annual Allocations for Vernacular Schools, Independent Chinese Secondary and Religious Schools of RM12 million yearly

The State Government initiated the fixed annual allocations for vernacular schools, independent Chinese secondary and religious schools of RM12 million yearly. Since 2009, the State Government has given RM79.8 million without going bankrupt.

The Penang State Government has proven that we can record budget surpluses without imposing the GST if we run a clean administration. The State Government did not go bankrupt even without the GST.

It is indeed proven that the clean, competent and good governance by the Pakatan Harapan State Government has enabled Penangites to reap the benefits of anti-corruption, together. The Pakatan Harapan State Government will continue our efforts to make Penang as an internationally-renowned state and the first Malaysian state that emphasizes its people’s welfare.

Thank you.

LIM GUAN ENG
Chief Minister of Penang