Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri calls for inclusive welfare, urges review of state policies
GEORGE TOWN, May 16 — The newly sworn-in Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, has called for the state's social welfare aid programme, i-Sejahtera, to be continued in a more inclusive and targeted manner.
In his speech officiating the first session of the state legislative assembly today, he said priority should be given to those who genuinely need it.
Meanwhile, he suggested introducing sustainable alternatives such as skills training opportunities and microfinancing aid.
'This method will relieve the state's financial burden while creating more opportunities for the people to be independent and raise their socioeconomic status,' he said.
Ramli also commended the state government's efforts in caring for the well-being of its people.
He noted that last year, the state allocated RM50.54 million to i-Sejahtera, benefiting 280,633 recipients in Penang.
'The sum does not only reflect the scale of the programme's implementation but also proves the state government's commitment to helping the people regardless of age, status, or background,' he said.
To ensure the welfare and social development agenda remains relevant and effective, Ramli said the foundation of state planning must be reviewed regularly.
He pointed out that a review of the Penang Structure Plan 2040 is currently underway.
'This review will not only re-evaluate the policies under the Penang Structure Plan 2030 but also strengthen them to remain aligned with the aspirations of Penang2030,' he said.
He stressed the importance of ensuring the state's development is sustainable, responsive, and inclusive, in line with demographic changes and current developments.
Ramli added that he intends to engage with the people directly by going to the ground to listen to their grievances and sentiments, ensuring policies meet the public's needs.
'This approach by every leader will enable policies to be shaped based on what is happening on the ground and the challenges faced by the people,' he said.
He also urged state assemblymen to prioritise the interests of the state and its people above all political considerations.
'This is to safeguard the integrity of Penang from any elements that could threaten our progress and well-being,' he said.
Ramli reminded civil servants of their duty to implement policies and strengthen the delivery system with integrity, efficiency, and responsibility.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
External parties behind push for Hadi to step down, say PAS leaders
Abdul Hadi Awang, a seven-term MP for Marang, has been president of PAS since June 2002. PETALING JAYA : Two PAS leaders have dismissed claims that there is a push within the party for its long-time president, Abdul Hadi Awang, to relinquish the post at the party elections in September. Johor PAS Youth chief Ahmad Nawfal Mahfodz claimed that such a call had never been raised at neither the state nor central leadership level. 'Clearly this push is coming from outside PAS. It's evident that some parties are uneasy with the performance of PAS under Hadi's leadership,' he told FMT. Terengganu PAS leader Hanafiah Mat also said calls for Hadi not to defend the PAS presidency came from outside the party, and not among its members or supporters. 'Although his health is not that great right now, he is mentally sharper than others,' he said. Speculation has emerged that, for the first time in a decade, the posts of PAS president and deputy president might be contested at the party elections in September. The last time the top two posts were contested was in 2015 when Hadi defeated Ahmad Awang for the president's post, and Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man ousted Mohamad Sabu for the deputy presidency. Hadi is a seven-term MP for Marang and a former Terengganu menteri besar. Sinar Harian recently reported that Hadi had conveyed his intention to relinquish the post at a PAS top leadership retreat, citing health reasons. Hadi has suffered declining health in recent years, undergoing dialysis and being admitted to hospital several times. Hanafiah said the party still needed Hadi at the helm, citing his commanding support from the grassroots to the top leadership levels. The Chukai assemblyman also believes Hadi can lead the Islamic party to even greater success at the polls, after its best-ever haul of 43 parliamentary seats in the 2022 general election. 'I'm confident that 'Tok Guru' can lead us towards winning more than 70 parliamentary seats and, God-willing, we will govern Malaysia,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Penang govt to review 5% housing discount for Indian Muslims, says Sim
Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim said he had spoken to the chief minister after the proposed discount drew criticism. PETALING JAYA : A 5% housing discount offered for Indian Muslims in Penang will be reviewed by the state government, says Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim. He said he had raised the matter with chief minister Chow Kon Yeow recently, after the proposed discount drew criticism. Sim, who is also human resources minister, said Chow had agreed to bring the matter back to the state executive council to be discussed and reviewed. 'I take note of the public feedback on the matter. As a party that upholds the Federal Constitution, DAP always fights for justice and the welfare of all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion. 'It is important that the Penang government continues to uphold the principle of social justice and ensures that every Malaysian's right to homeownership is protected,' he said in a statement. The discount was announced on Thursday, by executive councillor for housing, S Sundarajoo. He said private developers will be encouraged to voluntarily offer a 5% discount to first-time Indian Muslim homebuyers for one year as part of a state housing campaign. The initiative was criticised by human rights lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, who called the campaign discriminatory and unconstitutional. However, Sundarajoo defended the discount, saying it does not infringe on the rights of other communities and was purely aimed at increasing homeownership among groups with low participation in the open market. He also said developers would offer the discount as a form of corporate social responsibility and would not involve the state government's funds.
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Stay out of India-Pakistan conflict, MP urges Anwar
Backbencher Larry Sng, who is president of Parti Bangsa Malaysia, said the Indo-Pakistan dispute is 'beyond us'. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : A backbencher has urged the government to stay out of the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, and to instead focus on leading Asean this year. Julau MP Larry Sng said the dispute between the two South Asian nations was 'beyond us' while chairing Asean was the mandate at hand for the unity government. 'Malaysia should not interfere in the India-Pakistan conflict, it is beyond us. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim should solely focus on Asean, that is our mandate,' said Sng, who is president of Parti Bangsa Malaysia. Last month, Anwar said Malaysia was open to helping cool tensions between India and Pakistan after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April. He said Malaysia's close ties with both nations placed it in a position to support steps towards ensuring peace and stability in the region. Indian MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, who was on an official trip to Malaysia last week, said the conflict was strictly between the two nations and required no foreign mediation. However, Pakistan's high commissioner to Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah welcomed Anwar's offer, saying the prime minister was highly respected in both countries. Earlier today, Anwar said Malaysia only hopes for a peaceful resolution in the dispute.
