GEORGE TOWN: Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, says state-level programmes that need to be implemented must take into account the sensitivities of the different ethnicities, to safeguard peace, and the people's well-being.

He said the diversity in race, religion, and culture, as well as language, and the demographics today, should be celebrated.

"Quoting the words of our Father of Independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, 'we should respect each other's rights and feelings, and be tolerant of other people's religions, customs, and habits, because through diversity, we can achieve true unity'.

"It is important for everyone in this state not to create division, we must learn to live together," Ahmad Fuzi said in his speech at the 2024 Penang State Awards, Medals, and Honours Investiture Ceremony here today, held in conjunction with his 75th birthday celebration.

He said the struggle for peace, stability, and prosperity in the state was not the burden of one man, or a certain party, but rather, a collective responsibility that must be shared by all.

Ahmad Fuzi said the state government needed to implement "game-changing" projects through the Private Fund Initiative (PFI) approach.

"This includes high-impact projects that can change the economic landscape of the state, including developing districts in Seberang Perai, especially those that are relatively behind in terms of development, so that there will be a more equitable distribution of economic prosperity.

"In order to further fuel the development sector and improve the quality of life of the people involved, I would also like to call on the state government and the relevant agencies to develop potential areas, including wakaf lands in Kampung Dodol and Kampung Makam, which are strategically located in the middle of the city," he said.

Ahmad Fuzi also praised the state government's committed and focused efforts in ensuring that Penang's economic ecosystem continued to remain strong, despite the challenging global economic landscape and the current geopolitical upheavals.

According to him, Penang recorded a higher GDP value growth of RM116 billion in 2023, compared with RM112.3 billion the previous year, as well as contributing 7.4 per cent to the Malaysian economy.

Earlier, the 2024 Penang State Awards, Medals, and Honours Investiture Ceremony began with a 17-gun salute, followed by an inspection of the guard of honour.

This year, a total of 142 people received honours, while 1,204 individuals received medals and commendations, with former DAP chairman Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang heading the list of 235 recipients today.

Lim received the state's highest award, the Darjah Utama Pangkuan Negeri (DUPN), which carries the title of Datuk Seri Utama. -BERNAMA

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/1082420/consider-racial-sensitivities-diversity-state-level-programmes-says