Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has advised his newly-minted state executive council to be "careful" of the press, especially those aligned to BN.

To avoid running into problems with the media, he reminded that it was better for the parliamentarians and state assemblypersons to be prepared before they speak to journalists.

"It is best to issue written statements to the press, especially when it involves controversial issues.

NONE "We have been bitten too many times, so be careful," Lim ( left ) warned at a luncheon to introduce his new team to the state's civil servants.

He was referring to his five years of service since 2008, where he claimed he was either misquoted or not given the right of reply by pro-BN mainstream media.

As a result, he said certain media organisations such as like Utusan Malaysia, The New Straits Times and The Star were not invited to his press conferences.

Lim clarified that journalists from the newspapers were not banned from his events but he would exercise extreme caution when commenting on controversial issues in their presence.

The chief minister had previously sued Umno-owned daily Utusan Malaysia twice for defamation and won.

However, he stressed he was not blaming journalists but their editors, as the latter were responsible for the stories in print.

Meanwhile, Lim announced that the state exco, which met today, have endorsed the proposal to form a "commission of inquiry" to probe allegations of money politics and vote-buying, which had purportedly affected the polls results in several constituencies Pakatan Rakyat had lost in.

The proposal must first be studied by the state legal advisor before it is implemented.

"We have just handed over the documents to her (the legal advisor) and we await her views by the next exco meeting next week," Lim said.

When asked what would be the next step should the legal advisor disagree with the proposal, Lim said his administration could still proceed as the commission was a lawful entity.

Initiatives for women

dap congress 161212 chong eng At the same event, Lim announced three new initiatives for Penangites which have been endorsed by his state excos, including two which would directly benefit women.

"We are launching a women's brigade under the various village and security development committees to give women a more important and larger role to play in the community," he said.

To show the state's commitment towards empowering women, Lim said his office will oversee the project and said it will be handled by state exco Chong Eng ( right ).

Chong is responsible for the youth and sports, women and family development, arts and culture portfolio.

"This would be a multiracial group. We want women to hold the fort and be a bridge to all communities as they know best how to care for the family.

"Who among you do not agree to this? I am sure no one would disagree or else you will get it when you go home," he joked.

Lim also announced cash award which would benefit women voters below 60 years of age.

He said by next week, homemakers were entitled to an annual appreciation award of RM100.

Single mothers and senior citizens would not be eligible for this award as they are already entitled to RM100 annually.

NONE More details on the new cash award would be revealed by state exco for welfare, caring society and environment Phee Boon Poh this weekend.

In another development, Lim said Deputy Chief Minister I Rashid Hasnor ( right ) would be writing to invite the Election Commission (EC) to participate in the state's information department-organised public forum on Thursday.

To be held at Komtar at 8.30pm, the forum will feature several top-notch Pakatan politicians who will speak on "The real facts behind Pakatan Rakyat winning the popular vote on GE13".