Penang NGOs leave CM puzzled

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has questioned the independence of certain NGOs that have taken the state government to task over its policies.

At meetings, their representatives appear to show understanding of the issues, he said, but this is not reflected in their subsequent responses.

"Perhaps, they have eyes but cannot see … still, we need to engage them," he said in his speech during the swearing-in of Penang Municipal Councillors today.

Lim did not identity the NGO representatives, but various groups have been closely monitoring developments under the Pakatan Rakyat state government.

Several have attended closed-door meetings with Lim and other state officials, and have organised forums to debate policies especially on development issues.

Lim said state government leaders, including himself, have been frequently accused of being corrupt but is confident that Penangites do not believe this.

"I can understand it if it is our (political) rivals who are saying this because they think we are like them, but the NGOs are also saying it – they think we are similar to past leaders," he said.

"We cannot blame them. They have lived for so long under the old system – it was not a clean but dirty system. Only time can prove our integrity. In the four years (of ruling Penang), the people (have come to) recognise what we have done."

'Accept criticism'

The state, he said, must be open to criticism as much as it has publicly criticised others.

State officials must be prepared to accept differences of opinion, but must defend the state government if it is slandered.

"It is very difficult to govern Penang because the residents are very intelligent. This makes our work all the more challenging but we have to face it," he said.

On the role of municipal councillors, Lim said the state government would not hesitate to act against those who are corrupt.

At the same time, the state government and local authorities will be defended against slander, with proof being demanded to back any allegations made.

"It is a given that you (councillors) have to work hard or you have no right to be here. But work honestly as there is no compromise on this. Work smart because you only have 24 hours a day," he added.

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Posted by Susanloo on Jan 4 2012. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry