Ex-CMs should back Penang govt, says Chow

Chow Kon Yeow says Penang has no plans to give former chief ministers additional privileges other than the pension they receive. (Facebook pic)

GEORGE TOWN: Former chief ministers should give the state government elected by the people their full backing, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow told the state assembly today.

Chow said they should do so by respecting every decision, direction, and style of administration made for the benefit of Penangites, as well as the state’s sovereignty.

The Padang Kota assemblyman also said the Penang government was always open to reprimands and criticism from any party made through the right and official platforms.

Such criticism would be considered checks and balances, benefitting the state and improving its delivery of service to the people, he said.

“However, any attempts to interfere and influence the state government’s decisions need to be avoided, as they would ‘stunt’ its efforts and plans for the benefit of Penang’s people,” Chow told the state assembly.

He was responding to backbencher Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubuk), who asked about the role that former chief ministers have to play for the benefit of Penangites.

No plans for additional perks

On a separate matter, Chow said the state government had no plans to provide former chief ministers with additional privileges other than the pension they receive in accordance with the state’s Enactment on Retirement and Allowances.

He said the enactment ensures that all state assemblymen, including those who hold positions in the state government, are entitled to a pension upon retirement.

“So far there have been no proposals to look into any (additional) privileges that can be considered for former chief ministers,” Chow said in response to a supplementary question by Ong Ah Teong (PH-Batu Lancang) on additional perks for former chief ministers such as personal drivers.

To another supplementary question by Wong Yuee Harng (PH-Pengkalan Kota), Chow said the state government had no plans to review the RM14,000 salary given to chief ministers, as the rate had been fixed for 20 years, according to the last review made 10 years ago.