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Dear Pantai Jerejak Voters,
This election, Penangites have an important choice to make. We have to choose between global competitiveness and complacency. We have to decide if we want to be the best in the world or be compromised. We have to choose between dynamic new leadership and lackluster technocrats.
Penang used to lead the country and the world on many fronts. Unfortunately, the situation over the years has changed for the worse.
In the 70s, Penang was the Silicon Valley of the East, second only to the Silicon Valley in California. Today, Free Industrial Zone (FIZ) has made little progress. On the other hand, Taiwan, South Korea, India and China have all overtaken us. Soon, Vietnam too will surpass us.
Our economy used to be one of the greatest in Asia. But now, we are worried about factories closing down and investors moving their operations to China or Vietnam.
Our income was relatively higher. However, our salary has not increased in tandem with the surge in prices of goods and services.
Our rich multi-cultural heritage used to draw tourists from all parts of the world. Europeans and Australians loved the Pearl of the Orient. Today, tourists are bypassing Penang to spend their foreign currencies in Langkawi, Melaka and KL.
We used to have an environment conducive for living and working. It took us only ten minutes to travel to work. Now, many productive hours are wasted in traffic jams. How can we compete if our engineers and workers are exhausted before they even start work? How can we spend quality time with our families when we are overcome with fatigue at the end of the day?
We were proud to have diverse cultures living together in harmony in Penang. However, the UMNO/BN’s racial politics have divided us; breaking the strong bond that we once had.
We used to have Chief Ministers who can make tough decisions and bring investors into the state. But now, our leaders are too afraid to stand up for truth, even to UMNO Youth!
The present government has failed to harness the talent of Penangites, and the plus points of Penang. Penang has the potential to redeem its greatness. To make this happen, we need new leaders with fresh ideas who will prioritize the betterment of Penang, rather than using their positions to enrich themselves.
It is only natural to be uncomfortable about change, and to view it with uncertainty. However, if we keep on doing the same things over and over again, the end result will always be the same. The Barisan Nasional government has not lived up to its promise, and is taking Penang down the drain. The time has come to phase them out and turn a new page for our beloved state. Unless we initiate change, the situation will only get worse. We do not want our children to inherit a Penang that is low on economic vitality, and high on unemployment, crime, pollution, and cost of living.
In this election, let us gather the courage to Vote for Change! Penangites deserve better! It is in our hands to make Penang great again.
Yours sincerely,
Sim Tze Tzin
8-2-2008
