Guan Eng takes oath of office as Penang chief minister

PENANG: It was a smooth transition of government when DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng took his oath as Penang’s fourth Chief Minister.

The swearing-in-ceremony was held before Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas at his official residence Seri Mutiara here at 10.08am Tuesday, witnessed by Guan Eng’s predecessor Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.

The black suit affair was attended by the 29 new assemblymen from DAP, PKR and PAS. Also present were PKR president Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Guan Eng’s father and DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang as well as DAP and PKR members of Parliament.

None of the 11 assemblymen from Umno, who now form the state’s opposition, were present.

At the ceremonial hall, Guan Eng accepted the appointment letter from Abdul Rahman, took his oath of office and signed the letter. The ceremony was over within 15 minutes.

After the tea-break, Guan Eng and his wife Betty Chew, left in the chief minister’s official car, a silver Mercedes bearing the number plate “PG1” for his new office in Komtar. His parents, three siblings and four children left in separate cars.

When the lift arrived on the 28th floor, his staff were waiting outside to welcome him. About 50 pressmen had also gathered there.

Guan Eng was then taken on a tour around his tower office, stopping by a glass window to catch a bird’s eye view of George Town.

He later entered his new office and sat on the chief minister’s chair for the first time. Asked how he felt, Guan Eng quipped: “I already feel the heavy responsibility.”

Later at a press conference, he announced a bonus for Penangites - all summonses involving hawker licences and parking fees issued by the Penang and Seberang Prai municipal councils before Tuesday would be waived.

He also outlined his plan for a dynamic Penang and hoped to foster a harmonious relationship with the federal government. He said he would seek an appointment with the Prime Minister to address the needs of the people.

Kit Siang was seated beside Guan Eng throughout the press conference. When asked whether he would play a guiding role, he replied: “I will advise him quietly.”

Kit Siang earlier told newsmen that DAP’s victory in Penang and Guan Eng’s appointment as chief minister was the high point of his 42-year political career.

He added that when he celebrated his birthday on Feb 20, he had secretly wished for DAP to capture Penang.

His wife, Neo Yok Tee, 67, said she was very happy for Guan Eng.

“As a mother, I hope my son will be successful in whatever he does. I am confident he can deliver as chief minister and my advice to Guan Eng is to be humble as the people have placed their trust in him,” she added.

Chew, who is also Kota Laksamana assemblyman, said she would juggle her time and play her role as a people’s representative in Malacca as well as the chief minister’s wife in Penang.

--THE STAR