More efforts needed to enhance Penang’s growing sister status, says backbencher

A government backbencher has called for the setting up of a special committee or dedicated bureau to enhance the growing sister (twinning) city status the state enjoys.

Komtar assemblyman said that as Penang positions itself in the globalised age, there is a need to tap the special relationships it now enjoys globally with other cities.

He said this when debating next year's fiscal Budget Bill at the state legislative assembly sitting here.

The Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Barisan Nasional (BN) national unity government dominate the sitting with 29 out of the total 40 state seats with the Opposition Perikatan Nasional (PN), led by Muhammed Fauzi Yusoff,  having 11 seats.

Teh Lai Heng (PH - Komtar) told the assembly about the importance of these partnerships as strategic tools to create new opportunities and drive mutual growth.

He mentioned that Penang currently maintains sister city relationships with several international cities, including Adelaide (Australia), Medan (Indonesia), and Xiamen (China) with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) as the lead state agency.

"Such partnerships (ties) signify Penang’s commitment to international friendship and diplomacy. 

“They hold immense potential for boosting the state’s economic, social, and cultural development.

“The proposed committee or bureau would serve as a platform to coordinate efforts, implement strategic programmes, and ensure long-term benefits from the collaborations," said Teh, a former political secretary to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (PH - Padang Kota).

Sister city relationships are not merely symbolic gestures, but a powerful instrument to foster meaningful cooperation and progress in the economic and cultural ties, Teh said.

Meanwhile, several assemblymen took leave from the assembly proceedings to help mark the inaugural flight of the Chennai-Penang direct route.

Wong Hon Wai (PH - Paya Terubong) helped broker the deal which will see India's budget carrier - IndoGo fly direct between the international airport in Bayan Lepas and the international airport in Chennai, India.

“These initiatives will showcase Penang as a world-class travel destination," he said. - The Vibes, November 26, 2024.