Guan Eng wants friendly ties with federal government - NST

KUALA LUMPUR, TUES: May 13, 2008

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng wants to forge better ties with the federal government, saying a harmonious relation will go a long way in strengthening the state’s economic development.

“A harmonious relation will not benefit the DAP in any special way but it will allow every Malaysian in Penang to enjoy the fruit of development,” he said at the Dewan Rakyat today.

He urged the ministers to be more open in handling issues in states under Pakatan Rakyat and to always ensure that the interest of the people had been taken into consideration before making any decision.

Lim, who is Bagan Member of Parliament, said the Pakatan Rakyat government had no other motives apart from wanting to help the people through the implementation of a balanced economic development that was free from abuse, corruption and wastage.

Lim also expressed the hope that existing federal projects or ventures, especially those that had bearing on the people’s well-being, be continued in the five states under Pakatan Rakyat.

Meanwhile Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the move to give free water to consumers in Selangor was for the benefit of the people.

He said some quarters however, viewed the matter suspiciously and claimed that it was a form of corruption and wastage.

“Anyone who has objections on the matter can write to me directly,” he said.

In March, the Selangor state government announced that it would give free water of up to 20 cubic metres to consumers in state.