GEORGE TOWN – Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stressed the need for politics built on unity and pragmatism, and one that makes the people’s interest the topmost priority here, as his new administration gets underway in discharging their duties.
Speaking after the swearing-in of the 40 assemblymen before state speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, Chow said that the mandate given by the people after the 15th state elections was to serve them well and not stray from such convictions.
“Such a mandate cannot be simply discarded. It should actually be practised with better initiatives, approach, and effort…(and) have healthy debates (in the assembly), which can lead to better development for the state,” Chow told a press conference.
He told the assemblymen that even with different ideologies, they must strive to maintain the harmony and unity that exists among the diverse communities here.
Chow said that such values would lead to stability in the state and, in turn, propel the state into greater heights.
He urged the assemblymen not to resort to instilling hatred, racialism and religious sensitivity when debating issues in the assembly.
The 15th state assembly sitting sees the DAP-led national unity bloc of Pakatan Harapan (PH)-Barisan Nasional (BN) facing off with Perikatan Nasional which has 11 seats while the ruling coalition has 29.
Although PH-BN has a two-thirds majority, it is far shy from the supermajority it had earned previously of amassing 37 out of 40 state seats.
Chow, for his new term, will also be flanked by two new deputies: Prof Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid (PKR) and Jagdeep Singh Deo (DAP).
BN through Umno is also making a comeback into governing Penang when Sg Acheh assemblyman Rashidi Zinol was made a state executive councillor, who will oversee the portfolios of trade, entrepreneurial development & rural development. – The Vibes, August 29, 2023
