Tuesday, June 17, 2008

‘You can report corruption to my office’ - The Star

GEORGE TOWN: Jun 17, 2008 By LIM AI LEE & CHRISTINA CHIN

Penangites can report any corruption direct to their chief minister's office in Komtar.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said apart from the police and the Anti-Corruption Agency, the public could report directly to his office if any government officials or leaders approached them for bribes.

“Action will be taken. We want the government to operate efficiently based on rules and laws, not based on bribes,” he said, adding that those who reported such cases must however provide proof to back their claims.

He also called for public cooperation to ensure the success of the state’s competency, accountability and transparency (CAT) policy and prove that corruption was not part of Malaysian culture.

“We ask the people to help us fight corruption - do not give bribes to any government officials or leaders. If they approach you, report to us, the ACA or police,” he said during a media session held in conjunction with his 100th day in office.

He also said he would remain "plain Mr Lim" and not accept any Datukship in conjunction with the Penang Governor’s birthday awards ceremony next month.

“I will not be accepting nor awarding myself titles,” he stressed.

On making Penang a safe place for locals and investors, Lim said the crime rate in the first five months had dropped by 2% compared with the corresponding period last year.

He was happy to note that Penang had dropped to 10th spot in the country in terms of crime but ranked first in solving crime cases, with a 52% success rate.

On the state’s financial standing, he claimed it was better than before and the state government should be able to reduce its RM35mil deficit.

“We can manage on our own but without the federal funding promised us, it will make things tougher. But when the going gets tough, the tough get going. We will find a way.”

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