Tuesday, May 22 2012
Auditor-General weighs in on Penang
Monday, 01 November 2010 09:27

PENANG was the only Pakatan Rakyat-led state to receive positive reviews from Auditor-General Ambrin Buang in his 2009 report. "The Penang state government performance is commendable," he said. "With its financial position, it has shown its capability in giving quality service to its people." Under Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng's leadership, the state accumulated funds of up to RM1.1bil, a RM75mil increase from the year before. Revenue has also increased 1.4% to RM376.51mil, resulting in a surplus of RM77.34mil. Read here.

Lim, a qualified accountant, attributed the state government's success to state finance officer Datuk Farizan Darus, noting that Penang's finances have been strengthened thanks to new budget procedures such as line-item accounting, risk management and the open tender system. Read here.

Issues still remain, however. The same report highlighted Penang's weakness in managing land acquisitions, noting that there have been delays in financial compensation, resulting in losses for the state government. The delay amounted to RM21.27mil, meaning that the state government has to bear eight per cent interest, or RM280,000. Read here.
Lim Chong Eu hospitalised

Former Penang chief minister Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu, 91, was admitted to Penang Hospital this week after suffering what was believed to have been a stroke. He was transferred to intensive care soon after he was admitted. Read here. His condition would later improve. Read here.

Dr Lim's family members thanked all well-wishers, noting that various Buddhist and Hindu temples have offered prayers for him. "We appreciate that and do carry on," said Lim's son, Chien Cheng. "My father’s condition is stable now.” Read here.

Other news
  • Race relation law for Penang: The state government hopes to table the Race Relation Bill next year to forge unity among the public and stop racists and extremists from destroying society. Read here.
  • Jittery over UFOs: High-rise dwellers have been on the alert for ‘unidentified flying objects’ after a man standing in the compound of a block of flats in Penang was killed by a falling stone last week. Read here.
  • RM175 million worth of contract works for Bumiputera contractors in Penang: Bumiputera contractors in Penang have the chance to win RM175 million worth of contract works through the Second Penang Bridge project and upgrading of the Bayan Lepas International Airport (BLIA). Read here.
  • Plenty of jobs in Penang, says Guan Eng: Job opportunities in Penang are aplenty as the state has the third-highest number of jobs in the country, according to an online recruitment outfit. Read here.
  • Now a flying screwdriver: High rise living here can be very dangerous. Read here.

For more on Penang last, click through to iGT Nebuzz here.

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