CSL:
We hear populist policies, giving RM100, abolish this, abolish that... Can you, on this stage, tell us what is the community development and economic model of Pakatan Rakyat so that Malaysia can escape the low-income trap and achieve high-income status, including implementing the promises in the Buku Jingga?
LGE:
I believe this is the difference between myself and Chua. He is not anxiously concerned about corruption, while I am very anxiously concerned about corruption. We need to have a framework for administrating the country’s affairs. What is the plan to bring economic development? I wish to use the Penang model as an example.
This is the result of the Penang Pakatan Rakyat state government’s practice of “money makes money”. This system stresses four key aspects.
- First, “money raise money” through co-operation between the private and public sectors (Public Private Partnerships) in executing development projects.
- Secondly is “money earns money” through an open tender system, the state government can cut costs.
- Third is “money creates money” through innovation and creativity.
- Finally, “money saves money”. If we don’t take money, for sure there will always be money to be saved.
Therefore, the Penang state government has enjoyed a budget surplus every year for four years, and is able to give back to the people through our Senior Citizens Programme with RM 100 every year, and RM1,000 one-off to beneficiaries of senior citizens who pass away. Even newborn babies get RM200 under our Golden Child Programme. When Barisan Nasional was ruling Penang, not a single sen was given, but with the principle of “money makes money”, we have given benefits to the people of Penang, and this is actually an anti-corruption dividend!
In addition to that, in Malaysia, I believe that if we abolish corruption, we will be able to save a lot of money and give back to the people. This is our promise, Penang is the best proof! If we dare to fight corruption, we will definitely have money. Thank you.
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