‘Other states can emulate Penang’

> Our 4P approach has allowed record robust growth, says Lim

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is a model that other states can emulate, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

On the achievements recorded by the state government since 2013, he said Penang had ranked several firsts in socio-economic development, including having the second most foreign direct investments and being recognised as one of the cleanest cities in the Asean region.

“We have a model in Penang that we can utilise throughout the country,” Lim said during the launch of the Bukit Bendera DAP election operations centre on Saturday.

He said the state has managed to record surpluses in its budget since 2013 simply because it had reduced public wastage and corruption.

“Penang has shown there is a way to live without the Goods and Services Tax (GST) by reducing wastage and fighting corruption. If Penang can do it, I am certain that on the national scale, the withdrawal of the GST can be done,” he said.

Lim attributed the success to the 4P approach.

“The state engages the public, private sector, people and professionals whenever it wants to develop things; from the digital library to better public transport and recycling. The 4P approach have allowed the state to record robust growth,” he said.

Earlier, he apologised to any individuals or groups that the DAP-led state government had inadvertently left out in its quest to develop Penang since gaining power in 2013.

“We are not tokongs (deities) here, we are not God. We are humans and we may have made mistakes. But let me assure everyone that we will always be willing to listen to the people. DAP will not run away. We are here for the people,” Lim said.