Muslim NGOs meet Penang CM

Friday March 14, 2008
MYT 7:42:26 PM

Muslim NGOs meet Penang CM (updated)

PENANG: Twenty-two Muslim non-governmental organisations have expressed support for the state government's call for transparency in implementing the New Economic Policy (NEP).

Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM) Penang adviser Dr Danial Zainal Abidin said representatives from the organisations met Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng Friday morning and realised that the state government was not against the NEP.

"Lim told us that he had no intentions of throwing away the NEP. He, however, mentioned that it has been tainted with cronyism and corruption, and that is what he wants to throw away, not the entire NEP.

"So, if that is the concept, then we agree with him," he said after a dialogue session with Lim at Komtar.



Guan Eng chatting with representatives of the Muslim NGOs who met him at his office on Friday.
Lim had on his first day as Chief Minister said he would practise an open tender policy for the awarding of contracts and projects to prevent cronyism and corruption. Dr Danial said Islam stressed on transparency and justice not only for Muslims but also for all religions and races.

He said the NGOs stressed on the need for transparency, anti-corruption and cleanliness in the government.

"I think YAB has listened and agreed to what we said. If he can fulfil these, then it is in line with Islamic regulations and rules," he said.

Dr Danial said the NGOs were concerned about the fate of Penang Malays and Islamic institutions after hearing talk that the new state government might curb their activities.

He said the NGOs had asked Lim on the state's policy concerning mosques, suraus, Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR) as well as on the problems faced by the Malays in Tanjung Tokong.

"Lim has answered them well and we hope that he can fulfil the state's promises," he said.

When met by reporters later, Lim told the people to stop listening to rumours that the Penang Malays would be marginalised under the DAP-PKR coalition rule.

"Before being sworn-in as Chief Minister, I went to Tanjung Tokong to find out about the problems faced by the Malays there.

"So, I wish to reiterate that we are a government for all Malaysians, irrespective of race, religion and background," he said.