Guan Eng thanks for help in flood aftermath, apologises for shortcomings

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is touched by the resilient spirit of Penangites and the compassion of thousands of volunteers who came from all over the country to help flood victims overcome the disaster. 

In an emotional speech, while tabling a ministerial statement at the Penang Legislative Assembly, Lim said volunteers donated money and sacrificed their time and energy to help those affected in the tragedy, although they may be strangers. 

"“This is what it means by living in togetherness (muafakat), we face easy times, and carry each other’s burdens together, every day. 

"I was also touched by the spirit of unity among our multiracial and multireligious society, where people opened their homes and hearts, to those in need," he said.

“We saw how Muslims helped non-Muslims, and how non-Muslims reached out to Muslims; this is the Malaysian spirit and togetherness, regardless of race and religion, which is purely beautiful,” Lim added.

Earlier, the chief minister announced an RM100 million "Penang Bounce Back" allocation for efforts to rebuild the state, as well as a one-off RM500 aid for 100,000 households affected by the floods. 

He cited the deed of Taman Free School Flat suaru Bilal Sapno Tukijo, who sheltered about 70 non-Muslim flood victims during the floods and storm, which took seven lives. 

He also noted the help extended by various non-Muslim NGOs, which helped clean the houses of Muslims and provided food for those affected. 

Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, then thanked all state and federal agencies, as well as civil servants, who fulfilled their responsibilities first, despite some of them being flood victims themselves. 

He then apologised for not being able to "cover" all affected areas in the state, due to a shortage of resources, and limited machinery. 

“In all humility, I apologise for any shortcomings. The Penang government is very concerned and serious about every victim and will try its best to improve our existing services to the people,” he added.

Millions in cash aid have poured in from state governments, as well as NGOs and other agencies in the state, following the floods, which ravaged the state on Nov 4 and 5. - Mkini