Better Things In Store For Penang?

The Star, August 1 2007:-

THERE is little doubt that Penang is about to be transformed, thanks to the projects lined up under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) initiative.

But when the Prime Minister arrived for the launch of the NCER, a number of those present noted the somewhat “transformed look” about Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi himself.

Abdullah was sporting a pair of rimless glasses and was much slimmer.

And it was no illusion. Abdullah has shed 9kg over the last couple of months and looks fitter and more energetic.

Some attributed it to the homely influence of Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, who was a picture of understated elegance in her printed beige baju kurung featuring a mandarin collar and cream coloured shawl.

His aides say he has been keeping a healthy diet and exercising and planned to continue with his health regime.

But looks and transformation aside, there was definitely a sense of homecoming for the Prime Minister during the launch.

First, Penang is his home state. Second, the genesis of the NCER is said to have begun somewhere up in the air over Seberang Prai.

During the great flood of 2003, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had surveyed the flood-damaged area from a helicopter. He was very affected by the destruction and told people how water does not respect state boundaries. It is likely that the seed of the NCER was sown then.

There was also little doubt in the minds of many of those present that the Penang sector, especially, is as much a political project as an economic plan.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who speaks fluent Malay, amused many by the way he buttered up the Prime Minister in his speech. But most of all, they noted that parts of his speech could easily be used again during the general election.

This is the best thing to happen to Penang in decades and Koh was very upbeat, describing the projects as “a gift” from the Prime Minister.

Yes, Dr Koh, this is what you do best - buttering up the PM every time he visits Penang. Is there no shame in you? After 15 years at the helm you only have a bus service to show for! Maybe we will have to wait another 15 years for a taxi service now??