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THE Penang Chief Minister wants newly appointed city councillors to be impactful when discharging their duties as the state begins the rollout of its largest ever infrastructure projects.
These include the Silicon Island reclamation, the Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the expansion of both the airport and railway depot.
He told 48 members of the national unity alliance government the same stirring messaging that as the nearest link to the ratepayers - the councillors must remain sensitive to the needs of the people.
Speaking at the swearing-in of 24 Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors at Irving Chambers in the Town Hall, Chow said councillors play a crucial role in strengthening the local government service delivery, public engagement and good governance as the state navigates a challenging landscape in 2026.
“The year 2026 calls for a high level of preparedness, efficiency in implementation and the ability to adapt working approaches without compromising the principles of good governance,” he said.
The 24 councillors, including seven new faces, were appointed for a one-year term, ending on December 31, this year.
Chow said the appointments reflect the state government’s confidence in the councillors’ ability and commitment to ensure continuity and effective governance within MBPP.
He noted that MBPP has consistently upheld the CAT principles — Competency, Accountability and Transparency — which underpin its financial performance, public trust and various recognitions.
Under the steward leadership of MBPP president and Lord Mayor Datuk Anthony Rajendran, the council has engaged in extensive public engagement in urban planning and service delivery.
Penang will soon also unveil its structure plan, which will serve as a guiding point for proper urban and town planning.
Chow said the state government remains committed to making 2026 a foundation year towards a better state — one that is economically competitive, politically stable and socially harmonious.
The focus, he said, includes attracting high-quality investments, accelerating digitalisation, promoting a sustainable green economy and developing the creative industries to create better-paying jobs and ensure equitable growth.
“Political stability, social harmony and national unity remain key prerequisites for long-term prosperity,” he said, adding that the state would continue to protect vulnerable groups — including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, women, youth and low-income families — through targeted, welfare-focused policies.
Congratulating the 24 councillors, Rajendran said they were selected from diverse professional backgrounds to translate policy into tangible outcomes for residents.
“Councillors are not merely policymakers on paper; they are the voice of the people at the administrative table, serving as a bridge between the community and the government, and as strategic partners to the council’s management,” he said, adding that their appointments were a public trust that must be upheld with integrity and sound judgment.
Rajendran said MBPP is leveraging digital twin technology, artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance service delivery, speed up responses to public complaints and ensure greater transparency, while maintaining a people-centric approach.
He added that the council is aligned with national and global climate agendas, including low-carbon development and renewable energy transition.
Earlier today, Chow also accompanied the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) predsident and Lord Mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid to witness the swearing-in of 24 MBSP councillors including eight new members. - January 3, 2025.