Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Abdul Rahman Abbas today reminded all state assemblypersons to put aside personal issues of political hostility and focus on the existing system based on trust.

He said that though there might not be absolute agreement in politics, a check-and-balance system was necessary so that all interests were looked into.

"Honourable members of the house, maintain good behaviour in the house and outside because you set an example for the people," he said in his address opening the first meeting of the fourth session of the state legislative assembly in George Town.

He said it was the hope that the state assembly would be the best platform to resolve various issues, particularly involving the interests of the people.

"Therefore, with the mandate given, the priority of all elected representatives is to speak out for the people across religious, racial, political and social interests," he said.

Abdul Rahman said the assemblypersons should study carefully every issue that they wanted to debate and deliver their message intellectually and not emotionally.

He also said that the state and federal governments planned to build several mosques in the state, namely Masjid Bandar Baru Seri Pinang, Masjid Kubang Ulu, Masjid Karwa, Masjid Kampung Rawa and Masjid Penaga, and that construction would begin this year or early next year.

He said Masjid Batu Maung which cost RM2.9 million would be fully financed by the state government and would be completed this month.

"The state government has also allocated land in Jalan Scotland costing RM50 million to build the Penang Syariah High Court headquarters," he said.

Abdul Rahman advised all elected representatives to provide information on poor families in need of aid from the state governnment.

– Bernama