Lim sworn in as CM for 2nd term

Lim says his state government will continue to be competent, clean and fair to all, including to those who supported Barisan Nasional.

GEORGE TOWN: Pakatan Rakyat state chief Lim Guan Eng today was sworn in today as Penang Chief Minister for a second term.

He took his oath of duty before Penang Head of State Abdul Rahman Abbas at the Governor’s official residence Seri Mutiara in Jalan Utama here in brief ceremony at 11.30am.

Present were Lim’s wife Betty Chew, father Kit Siang, mother and other family members.

Also present were PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Pakatan elected representatives.

In last Sunday polls, Pakatan won 30 state seats against Barisan Nasional’s 10 to retain the state government.

In federal seats, Pakatan won 10 of the 13 seats in Penang.

Lim is expected to name his new state exco line-up in next few days.

Speaking to the media after taking his oath, Lim said his state government will continue to be competent, clean and fair to all, including to those who supported Barisan Nasional.

“We are extremely grateful to the people of Penang for proving that they can’t be bought by the blatant and shameless money politics, or threatened with violence that had occurred in the last few days of the GE13 campaign in Penang,” he said.

He added that he would, from the savings and surpluses achieved, abolish poverty this year by topping up monthly the income of all families who receive less than RM770 a month.

He will also continue with yearly cash aid to schools, senior citizens, single mothers, the disabled, school students, university students and trishaw pullers.

“From our feedback, the fear that BN will abolish these popular programmes caused many, especially Malays, to reject BN and support Pakatan,” he said.

Lim also said that the state government would not follow BN’s racial games of bashing the Chinese voters and make the Chinese community scapegoats for BN’s loss.

Instead, he said, Pakatan will treat all Penangites fairly regardless of race, religion and political background.

Golden programme for mothers

Lim also proposed an annual RM100 to all homemakers below 60 who do not work but look after their children.

“This general election showed the power of women, many who voted for the first time enthusiastically for justice, freedom, truth, integrity and good governance.

“In appreciation for their support, I shall propose a Golden Mother programme of RM100 annually to all homemakers below 60 who do not work but look after their children and families from 2014 onwards.

He also said that all state Pakatan representative would publicly declare the assets annually.

“The people of Penang have spoken loud and clear and given an unqualified endorsement towards the people-centric policies of Pakatan.

“There will be no room for cronies in Penang. Let us all unite to make Penang the No.1 liveable state in Malaysia,” he added.