Dedclaring that the situation in Penang is totally different after the March 2008 political tsunami, the business community was told last night that it no longer needs to deal with any "third party" to get applications approved by the state authority.

"The last time, everything was done under the table. Now, things are done above board; there will be no corruption in Penang as long as we are in power," Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said at the 36th annual dinner of the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association's (Rehda) Penang branch.

NONE Taking the 700-odd diners on a journey of faith in the Pakatan Rakyat government, Lim ( left ) said he felt really proud to win recognition that, for the first time ever, one does not need to know a third party to do business in Penang.

"You need not know the chairpersons of the Penang or Seberang Perai municipal councils. You need not even know the chief minister. You need just to know the rules," he said.

‘Show proof and we will act'

"And I am proud that this was stated by an investor of a main board listed company. He said he was impressed that he could get his approvals through, without knowing any third party," Lim added to loud applause from those present.

He said it was the state's desire to see both local councils improve their service delivery systems, and that the state had taken into account the suggestions and feedback from the private sector, including Redha and other professional bodies.

"If you have complaints that local council are late in approving your application, show us the proof and we will take action. If you have no proof, then it is you who needs action to be taken on," he added, drawing laughter from the crowd.

"Get your architects and engineers to show us what is wrong. If any wrong is proven to be true, we will sack our staff but if it is not true, you must sack your architect or engineer," Lim said to another round of applause.

Penang Housing Board

Affordable housing for the middle-income group was featured during the speeches at the function last night, unlike the needs of the poor, which were not mentioned at all.

Lim said in terms of ranking of the most liveable cities in Asia, Penang was on par with the country's capital, Kuala Lumpur.

The state, he added, therefore wanted to see more affordable housing for the middle-income group and was also looking into the issue of transportation.

"To encourage developers to build more affordable housing, the state government is reviewing the various charges imposed for projects with houses priced below either RM350,000 for the island, and either RM250,000 for the houses in the mainland," he said.

"To streamline the development of housing and plan more affordable housing, the state will create a Penang Housing Board at the next state assembly sitting, beginning Nov 1," Lim added.

"This board will deal with all issues related to government housing and will play an active role in private housing."