GEORGE TOWN, December 24 – As we welcome the calm following the storm of the Covid-19 pandemic and political uncertainties, I would like to extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to everyone celebrating the joyous occasion of Christmas. Celebrating Christmas together, like any other festive occasion in our country, regardless of religion, faith, or culture, is a significant representation of our communities’ shared unity. This spirit is something we should always cherish and strive to cultivate for the benefit of our people, state, and nation.
The Penang State Government is already working toward this goal through one of its three focused initiatives, namely the community-building initiative. It entails combining the energies of various state agencies and elected representatives in order to empower the people of Penang as a whole, or, in other words, as one big family, for a broader and deeper impact on the society. As stated in the recently announced Penang State Budget 2023. The State Government has allocated RM 1.3 million to the Penang Harmony Corporation (HARMONICO) in our efforts to empower and promote harmony amongst our community.
As well as RM 12.98 million to recognise and strengthen the role of the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) as the State Government’s administration machinery that is closest to the community. Additionally, the State Government also recognises the importance of education in sowing the seeds of harmony and unity in our younger generations. As such, we have distributed a total of more than RM 115 million to various schools throughout Penang since 2009 to date. This includes a total of nearly RM 15.33 million and, in particular, RM 833,000 in 2022 to various missionary schools in Penang.
Along with the aforementioned initiatives, the Federal Government’s efforts and aspirations through the Unity Government Concept will be also supported at the state level and reflected in the “Penang2030” vision. We truly believe that with such efforts paired with the true spirit of Christmas, collectively we can progress our ambition of establishing Penang as “A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation”. On that note, I wish you all and your loved ones a ‘Blessed, Safe and Merry Christmas!’
