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(The Malaysian Insider) - Ever since the DAP's landslide win in the March 8 polls, Lim Guan Eng, the party secretary-general and new chief minister of Penang, has been hard at work making the state government run well.

At the first press conference in Penang right after the momentous victory, Lim pledged to create a state government that emphasised equality, justice, competency, accountability and transparency.

However, his unconventional approaches have sparked great controversy. Among members of the former ruling government, especially Gerakan – the DAP's embittered political arch-rival – the criticisms have been harsh.

The latest incident was over the appointment of Datuk Lee Kah Choon to the key post of director of the Penang Development Corporation and InvestPenang. Lee was formerly Gerakan's deputy secretary-general and the blue-eyed boy of party advisor Datuk Seri Lim Keng Yaik.

As a result, many in Gerakan have lashed out at Guan Eng. Some question his motives for appointing a Gerakan member; some remark that it is because the DAP lacks talented leaders. Many of their criticisms made the news headlines in the past few days.

Obviously, Guan Eng has been rattled. But he is committed to “make Penang dynamic again”.

“The Penang government welcomes all Penangites and those who can contribute to its good governance ... regardless of race, religion and political background,” said Guan Eng in a press conference held at the party headquarters in Petaling Jaya today.

“What I'm doing is something new. It's not been done before. The purpose should not be overshadowed by other extraneous suggestions,” he added, in response to the public accusations levelled against him and his state government.

He reiterated that he is seeking the cooperation of everyone who wanted to serve the people of Penang and is willing to engage anyone who shares DAP's CAT (competency, accountability and transparency) governance philosophy.

However, Guan Eng was reluctant to elaborate on the criteria that embodied that philosophy; neither would he detail the characteristics demonstrated by Lee which made him the “best man for the job”.

“Let the results speak for itself,” Lim said.

Comments (28)

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written by Kcc, April 25, 2008 11:31:36

It is the norm for people to reject something new, but given time, they will see that this political revolution is beneficial to all. However, do expect spoiled brats who would continue condemning all your noble efforts. They simply can't accept the fact that the political climate in Malaysia is changing...very rapidly, if I may say so. And they have to toe the line in order to survive this change.

So, ignore negative criticisms. Look into positive ones.

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written by bikerzon, April 25, 2008 11:33:31

Lihatlah BN, you are sore losers...

Serve the people, not the party!

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written by Jan, April 25, 2008 11:35:57

Lim Guan Eng, hiring Lee is a good idea and he's not getting paid I heard.
Just out of curiosity what will Lee and his family going to live on?

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written by TURTLEMAN, April 25, 2008 11:36:01

all the best LGE.

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written by jammary88, April 25, 2008 11:37:32

They are too complacent, 50 years of the same ethics, mind u. It's just like working in a brothel and expect to do somethingelse.

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written by joeawk, April 25, 2008 11:57:04

He should be paid according to his office. Not paying him will invited unwarranted remark from the jealous BN people.

LGE should carry on with his work so long as his conscience meets that of the people and the people wholeheartedly suppoort his decision this far.

Long Live PR.

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written by Rakyat M, April 25, 2008 11:58:40

A leader will prove what he did is right at the end of the day. What LGE needs is time and the result will tells, we can have a lot of ppl commmenting and critic here and there but a true leader will prove it right at the end of the day. Malaysia needs very much this kind of leader. Malaysia has too much critics.... talking too much craps and nonsense...

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written by Counterpointer, April 25, 2008 12:13:29

Food for thought:

If Obama could be President of USA this year, perhaps with our two party system in place, Guan Eng, Prime Minister of Malaysia in year 2018?

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written by bugisman, April 25, 2008 12:41:50

i can see the first non-malay PM in making...
soon we'll have the real democracy...on par with US's obama's scenario
keep it up, lim !

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written by rayfire, April 25, 2008 12:53:32

He puts rakyats interest ahead of his or whatever party there is!
This will gain my respect and surely people's respect, well done.

Please take poll "When should Pakatan Rakyat form New Government"
at http://rayfire-viewpoint.********.com/

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written by oknyua, April 25, 2008 12:57:22

Eh, when Mahathir-UMNO appointed Zeti as governor of B-Negara, what happens to her when Dato' Anwar takes over as PM? Is she going to resign and let Pakatan-appointed governor to take over? (I better start lobbying for the job).

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written by padhma, April 25, 2008 12:58:50

People are happy with Guan Eng. People are seeing Guan Eng as a Malaysian leader and not just as a politician. Well, the rest can bark all they want. Just do bother with the barks.

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written by zul4kulim, April 25, 2008 13:00:23

“Let the results speak for itself,” Lim said.
Let's move on for a better Malaysia and time to deliver those promises!

http://1426.********.com/

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written by sickofitall, April 25, 2008 13:01:10

LGE, a true leader is never afriad of making the toough, unpopular decisions if those decisions are in the interest of the public. WE will support you so long as you run your government on the CAT principle! Hold steady, we support you!

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written by ONGJJJ, April 25, 2008 13:08:11

Rakyat's Power. The aspiration and needs of the Rakyat demand the best of the best our society can provide, and heed the call to serve regardless of party, race, language or religion. A truly Malaysian value.

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written by Malaysiaku, April 25, 2008 13:16:43

Guan Eng should not listen to those BN clowns. Just do what you think is best. Those BN clowns will always object to what the Opposition Govt will do even if those actions are for the good of the Rakyat. We had 50 years of BN rule and look what they have done for Malaysians? Now it is for another to do what they should have done. So, shut the f**k up BN.

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written by LACOBRA, April 25, 2008 13:57:32

BN needs a lesson on Business Practices of Good Corporate Governance! Otherwise, since there will be shortages of food in the near future, go plant Padi and reap the profits as a career. Meantime, let PR takeover to run the country!

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written by campuras, April 25, 2008 13:59:30

I see the move as a political strike into Gerakan heartland. Lee is LKY blue eye boy and getting the ex deputy on your side, where will Gerakan be. Koh is discredited, who is the next competent leader coming up other than Lee. Gerakan has some very difficulty question.

For all we know in a few months time Lee may no other chice but to sign the Rocket application form.

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written by LC Teh, April 25, 2008 14:17:09

The reality of our current political situation dictates that BN must start immediately to reinvent itself. You can't just fool yourselves with rebranding. You can't move goal-posts anymore. You can't just proceed with business as usual, as if nothing happened. The other side will keep moving on and soon they will be ahead of you. You will be outclassed and your few talented people will leave. No amount of threats will stop those who are sought after by your competitors. Soon, only the deadwood will be left behind.

It's a whole new ball game beginning 8th March 2008. Your defenses are beginning to crumble. Your threats will begin to sound hollow and empty. Your only recourse is to consolidate into a similar party to stay in the game.

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written by Democrats, April 25, 2008 14:22:56

It disheartening to see our federal government behaving in such manner. It's clearly shows where their priorities are. It also proves that because of this third class mentality, we have undeserving and unqualified minister and leaders in the cabinet, as they are picked for the sole purpose of serving party importances, not the rakyats needs. That's why we have ministers like Azalina heading tourism which will be going down the drain soon , people like Hishamuddin who will further lower our standard of education, etc...

AAB and all the others criticise Lee for not having the BN spirit that BN should not accept positions from the opposition ruling state government. Where's your spirit in creating a better MALAYSIA for malaysians? Then why vote for BN? While some may have taken the bold but hesitant choice of choosing the opposition last election, I believe the BN government post elections actions have just proven the oppositions claims during ceramah true that BN is a selfish party and further solidifying and convincing the people that they made the right choice..

BN is doomed at this rate..... Better get a brain transplant soon. Can be from a dog, monkey, whale, shark, anything is better than the one they are having now.

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written by mhwang, April 25, 2008 15:47:30

to uzumaki: are u a Gerakan member? Even Gerakan leaders cannot be consistent. First Lim Keng Yaik says that DAP has no capable leaders to run the State that's why hav to get LKC. Then Koh Tsu Koon says LKC no capabilitylah...lawyer only what..where got business experience. He himself proved/disproved the fact that an academician can also succeed/fail as CM of Penang.

Make up ur mind Gerakan...or is it coz too long in BN need not argue intelligently anymore knowing media won't let us hear the other side of the story.

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written by mikewang, April 25, 2008 16:44:12

I suspect the idea of getting Lee Kah Choon to serve in PDC/PenangInvest probably came from GE's de facto chief of staff, Jeff Ooi.

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written by maverick, April 25, 2008 18:38:00

good move!

may be the gerakam guys are not happy because their CM Koh (...opps.. it should be ex-CM now ) were not appointed....

may be because the fact that even he is not qualified for the job and they can't accept that..

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written by SuperShyteStirrer, April 25, 2008 18:59:23

HEALTH WARNING - THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER WAS STARTED BY KALIMULLAH, BRENDAN PEREIRA AND VARIOUS COLLEAGUES FROM THE NST.

With that in mind, please re-read the above article especially the tone of the article.

Readers pf MALAYSIA TODAY be WARY of articles from THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER!!!!

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written by zonefinder, April 25, 2008 23:45:02

Guan Eng,
keep it up. Only true visionaries and leaders dare venture into unchartered territories. Guys like Keng Yaik are dinosaurs. Yours is the path to the future!

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written by zonefinder, April 25, 2008 23:45:48

Apologies..should read " uncharted.."

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written by miwaki, April 26, 2008 04:02:20

Loser should shut up and let the winner runs the state.Only when Guan Eng fails to deliver just like Gerakan/UMNO then only you open your smelly mouth.We Penangites are responsible for our choice of government,outsiders are not qualified to comment.When we chose Pakatan Rakyat as our state government,we give Guan Eng a free hand to decide his course of actions.He can rope in anybody include "insane doctor" Keng Yaik to be elevator attendent at KOMTAR.

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