Just as Tunku Abdul Rahman shouted our Merdeka 7 times 56 years ago, let us renew our bonds of freedom, justice, truth, democracy and human dignity. These values and principles that helped us achieve Merdeka will also make Malaysia an exceptional nation.
Malaysians may not feel very exceptional when it is more fashionable now to be an extremist and racist than a Malaysian, to propagate lies than celebrate the truth and close our eyes to corruption and injustice. However the day will come when it is un-Malaysian to be a racist, a liar and corrupt. Malaysians will see through the lies such as those contained in the Federal government sponsored film of Tanda Putera, which sows racial hatred and division instead of harmony and reconciliation.
Let us focus on what makes Malaysia and Penang great and exceptional – a safe, clean, green and healthy state. This will be given full attention by the Penang state government beginning with retaining Penang’s status as the safest state in Malaysia.
Even though the crime index rose to nearly 10% during the first four months of this year, the rise of the crime index has been slowed down to 4.4% by end August 2013. This shows the success of efforts of the police, together with co-operation of the state government and the public to fight crime. Such efforts will not only be continued but redoubled.
Making Penang cleaner, greener and healthier are the aspirations of the people of Penang when they re-elected the PR Penang state government with 68% of the popular vote in the 2013 general elections, an increase of 10% over the 58% popular vote obtained in the 2008 general elections. The Penang state government will not disappoint the people but will ensure that the success and prosperity can be enjoyed by all peacefully.