Pakatan not illegal gov't in Penang, says Guan Eng

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today brushed aside claims that his government is illegal since Pakatan Rakyat had been elected by the people in March 2008.

Lim said unlike Penang, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak did not have the mandate as he was merely the deputy prime minister when BN came into power that year.

"He was not prime minister when BN was elected, that was former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi," said Lim at a press conference after a luncheon held in Komtar to commemorate Pakatan's five-year rule in Penang.

"We are different, we were elected and we have always been here from the beginning. We have an elected mandate, that is the difference," he added.

On Monday, DAP senior advisor Lim Kit Siang regarded Najib as an'illegitimate' prime minister as the government's five-year term, which began from the date of the 12th general election, ended on March 8.

Kit Siang, the Ipoh Timur MP, had accused Najib of being afraid to allow elections to be called for fear that BN would be defeated.

State executive councillor and state DAP chief Chow Kon Yeow said that Kit Siang (right) had asked the question as Najib had the power to dissolve Parliament - which would automatically dissolve on April 28 - but had failed to do so until now.

"He has the power to do it, whereas we want to follow the general election date so that we can synchronise with the whole country - that's the difference," he stressed.

On Pakatan's pledge to declare assets of its state excos, Lim said, "It would be done. When we announce it, you will know why we are doing it at the juncture".

Lim then thanked his colleagues and Pakatan supporters for their unflinching support, adding that he felt "deeply honoured" to work with them.

He also expressed gratitude to Penangites for making it possible for Pakatan to govern the state in these last five years.

"Despite the trials and tribulations, whatever the vagaries and vicissitude of governance, ups and downs, one very important thing that will shine through is that Penang people deserve to find a proper place in the number one state in Malaysia," he said.

Penang the number one state?

"Penang has become the most happening state since 2008 and it is said that this is the most difficult state to govern because we have the most intelligent, outstanding people here," he claimed, to which Chow (right) chipped in that it applies to journalists as well.

Lim said he accepted all the suggestions and criticisms against his administration with "an open heart and open mind".

He stressed that in terms of team spirit, his state excos were among the best, and despite their differences, would unite for the common good of Penang.

"Whenever there are issues between the state and federal governments, I sometimes wonder how to find solutions, but I am confident that we can find the solution, I have faith that the people will find us the solution," said the DAP secretary-general.

Asked to evaluate his and the performances of his excos, Lim declined to comment, saying, "Let the people judge".

However, he noted that as far as team spirit was concerned, he would give his colleagues a "four star" rating.

During his speech at the luncheon, Lim said despite the challenges, the state was proud of its various programmes to uplift the well-being of Penangites.

These programmes include the state's ‘AES' (agenda economi samarata or equal opportunity economic agenda) to eradicate poverty, and Penang's greener and cleaner campaign.

He also boasted of the state's financial performance, saying that investment was top in 2010 and 2011, adding that the local councils recorded an increase of RM400 million in revenues.

However, this is not to say that the Pakatan administration had been free of criticisms from its opponents.

"Tomorrrow is also the first anniversary of the first demonstration against the Penang government. Now it happens on a weekly basis. It happens so frequently that we feel it is something normal," Lim told about 100 people, including municipal councillors who had attended the luncheon at Komtar today.

"I don't know if state exco Chow Kon Yeow wants to celebrate the first anniversary of the rally," he joked.

"There can be no success without challenges. Today, after five years, we want to renew our commitment to make Penang healthier, safer, greener and cleaner. I believe we can do it," he said.