100 days for Penang CM

When Lim Guan Eng, an ex ISA detainee, took over as the 4th Chief Minister of Penang in March 2008, many Malaysian knew that the beginning of the end is finally here. Malysians have grown up, so did Malaysian politics. It was then some were concerned whether they, the voters, had gone too far. The main concern was can this new and inexperience person lead efficiently with his team? It was an unexpected gamble that many were not prepared. Some even consoled themselves by saying that ’… if we die, at least all of us die together and equally’. So how did Lim perform so far?

Well, I think the overall sentiment is that he has done pretty well for these 100 days. Most Penangnitesare happy with him and his team although there are some rotten apples that are slowing down his effort. Now the Penangnitesobviously want to see not only the changes made for the state but is he strong enough to change from within his team? It is easy to find faults from the previous government and improve on them, to provide and implement new ideas that benefit the people, but what about improvement within his team of comrades, those that had fought with him side by side for years?

One of the major setback of the previous government is that ‘quality’ was sacrificed for ‘loyalty’. They preferred people that listen and follow. The ‘Sit ! Good boy’ syndrome. History shows that those that were of quality often do not last long as they are seen as a threat to those in power. Obviously Singapore shot way ahead of Malaysia because the Singapore government treasures those that can perform and have no qualms removing those that were not up to par.

As for Penang to achieve its long awaited recognition and status, it now lies in the hands of Lim Guan Eng. One must remember that it is useless to have a body without a soul. Has he got what it takes to remove those that is not performing as well as expected? He must now remember that he is the Chief Minister of Penang and no longer only a leader in a party. Will he make the same mistake as Barisan did and has he the courage to ‘CHOP’ ?

If he does weight Penangnites over his party, this Chief Minister and his quality comrades will be here for quite a while…

Anyway, ” … it is always better to try and fail then fail to try” said Chief Minister Lim.

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