Press Statement by YB Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Selangor State EXCO and State Assemblyman for Seri Andalas

COMMITTEE FOR NON-MUSLIM AFFAIRS – SELANGOR & PENANG

I salute the move taken by YAB Lim Guan Eng and the Penang state government in forming an official portfolio for non-muslim affairs, it is an effort that is to be commended.

The central aim and objectives of the Committee for non-muslim affairs is to promote greater inter-faith understanding and build strong working relationships between all non-muslim religious bodies and the state governments.

For example, Selangor’s non-muslim committee is jointly chaired by myself, YB Teresa Kok and YB Ronnie Liew, along with four other ADUNs, 7 representatives of the main non-muslim religious bodies and various other government department representatives including reps from District Offices, JAIS, JKR, JPS and PTG.

The Barisan National government should welcome the initiatives taken by the Penang state government and not feel threatened. Furthermore, it was only 3 days ago that the “PM hailed the government’s interfaith sub-committee as key in creating a common understanding and having constructive dialogue among the different religious groups in the country.”(Malaysian Insider, 14, Feb 2011)

In light of his comments it is highly regrettable and irresponsible of the Government to allow the
Utusan to make such a racially provoking statement against the non-muslim portfolio established by a Pakatan Rakyat state.

It is the responsibility of everyone to promote greater comprehension and tolerance of all the different faiths in Malaysia. We must not resort to racial and religious politics in order to fulfill political aims.

Dr Xavier Jayakumar

17 February 2011

Press Statement By Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng In Komtar, George Town On 13.2.2011.

Penang Willing To Be Briefed By Pemandu To Co-ordinate And Co-operate On Successfully Implementing The 95 Entry Points Projects(EPPs) In Penang Over The Next 10 Years.

Penang welcomes the assurances in yesterday’s Bernama by the Performance Management and Delivery Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department or Pemandu that Penang has not been left out of the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). The Penang state government is willing to meet and be briefed by Pemandu on the 95 entry points projects (EPPs) to co-ordinate and co-operate on its successful implementation in Penang over the next 10 years within 11 National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs).

So far the state government had not received any details of where the 95 EPPs supposed to be located in Penang and what type of EPPs are they. Apart from the Tourism and the Electrical & Electronic NKEA revealed by Pemandu, what are the other NKEA identified?

Neither did Pemandu revealed the amount of investments investments, the increase in per capita Gross National Income(GNI) nor the number of jobs expected to be created. In contrast, when 19 EPP was unveiled last month, Pemandu disclosed that a total of RM67 billion in investments would generate a per capita GNI of RM 35 billion and generate 35,000 jobs.

It is wrong for Pemandu to reject the proportional approach to determine the amount of investment that a state is entitled to. If the ETP is a focused, inclusive and sustainable initiative that will transform Malaysia into a high-income nation by 2020, then there must be at least one EPP in each of the 13 states in Malaysia, excluding Federal Territory. Not a single EPP out of the 19 EPP announced last month was located in Penang.

How can the ETP be inclusive and share the wealth of the country with all segments of the population, whether urban or rural, regardless of gender and in all regions, if Penang is left out? Further how can the 95 EPPs promised for Penang over the next 10 years be successfully implemented and completed without the co-operation of the state government?

The Penang state government should be fully informed and not kept in the dark. To only know through the media that there are 95 EPPs over the next 10 years after being compelled to highlight publicly the perceived neglect of Penang is distressing and does not lend confidence to its professional execution. Execution is key and requires full disclosure which not only promotes transparency but also engagement with all stakeholders. The Penang people has a right to know the full details of the 95 EPPs promised, and not see it being wrapped up in some mysterious dark secrets.

LIM GUAN ENG

Heritage George Town celebrates

A stroll down the streets of inner George Town will instantaneously sweep anyone away into the bygone era and indulge them the kaleidoscope of nostalgic feel, charm and reminiscence that only few would have experienced firsthand. Known as the Chinatown of Penang, she is nestled within the bustling city that surrounds it; unperturbed by the modern structures and recently acquired fashionable lifestyles that stand alongside these quaint but characteristic architecture.

And though it might be just too simplistic to brush it off as just an old and forgotten part of town, the once famous trading post of the East is surely regaining its lustre and notoriety with scurrying activities once again. Even more so as George Town was declared as a UNESCO Heritage Site since three years ago.

The vicinity around Armenian Street and Cannon Street sprang to life the past weekend as George Town hosted its annual Chinese New Year cultural and heritage celebrations. Antiquated rows of pre-war buildings line the narrow streets – some already restored and refurbished and some still as rickety and dilapidated.

Occupants of these heritage houses moved out when the Rent Control Act was repealed in 2000. The Rent Control Act states that under no circumstances should these heritage buildings be demolished or altered in any way; and as this act also prohibited owners from raising the rental, these buildings were poorly maintained for economic reasons. However, as soon as the act was repealed, property prices just kept going up and are worth very much more than it was before.

Clan Associations too opened their doors and brightened up in anticipation of receiving visitors from all around the world. Strings of Chinese lanterns lit up the entire area and stage performances were held at every street corner. Cultural dances, cultural exhibitions, drums, gongs, and an array hawker fare kept revellers busy and entertained.

One of the Clan houses exhibited Traditional Chinese medical practices like acupuncture and pulse points. Another Clan house held singing competition and booths showcasing traditional foods like “Kong Th’ng” (sugar-candy) and “Muar Chee” (sweetened glutinous rice covered with grounded nuts).

Chinese characters in costumes played out their parts in theatrical scenes. There were also facemask changing performances – a very specialized and closely guarded secret that was once performed only by those who learnt it in sworn secrecy.

Another interesting traditional Chinese art that was eye-catching was of women getting their faces cleaned using tightened strings. The therapist used two loops of strings and entangles them in a way that coaxes the strings into a propeller sort, and then places them onto the customer’s face to clear away the dead cells.

Along the way, some makeshift stalls sold custom-made beaded shoes that were worn by the early settlers, also known as the Straits Chinese. There were also craftsmen who sold carved signboards. A rabbit corner was also purposely set up as this happens to be the ‘year of the rabbit’ according the Chinese calendar. The fortune teller added to the authenticity of the celebration.

At the youth’s corner, children dressed up as human chess pieces moved about in a game of Chinese Chess. There were also martial arts performances, lion dances and dragon dances.

“Cai Sin Yah” or God or Prosperity paraded the streets giving out red packets – as a gesture of good luck; and rabbit mascots too, to give out sweets to passers-by, especially children.

A mock traditional Chinese wedding complete with its sedan chair was also on display. Curious spectators took turns for the opportunity to sit in the sedan to take photographs.

The people of Penang from all walks of life thronged the usually quite streets and jostled their way around through the huge crowd that turned up that night. Tourists caught unaware of the ongoing festival were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful and colourful display of fireworks that marked the finale of the celebration. The gaiety and carnival-like atmosphere can hardly be missed as the loudspeakers blared music from all sides.

Even as one leaves the carnival, he will be reminded of being transported temporarily back into olden China as the drums, gongs and fireworks grow fainter and fainter into the distance. George Town is truly a living museum.