The Pakatan Rakyat state government in Penang would adopt a thrifty Budget 2009 to counter the impact of the global economic depression.

penang state assembly oppostion leadership 101108 02 Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng is scheduled to table the Budget on Friday following the tabling of a state administration enactment bill on Thursday when the 12th State Legislative Assembly resumes with its second sitting.

All 40 elected assemblypersons, including Lim and nine executive councillors, will be given four days between Nov 17 and 20 to debate and wind-up the budget, which is expected to focus on cost saving measures to combat the impact of global financial crisis.

"The financial crisis is mammoth and for real. Surely the government budget will have to address the issue," Speaker Abdul Halim Hussain said during a media briefing.

The DAP-led state government inherited some RM35 million deficit budget from the former chief minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon-led Barisan Nasional government after the March general election.

Lim has indicated that the new Budget would emphasise on lowering the deficit.

The state government had attracted foreign investment to the tune of RM6.1 billion in the last seven months compared with RM4.7 billion throughout last year.

Last year's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Penang rose to 6.5 percent up by 0.3 percent from the 6.2 percent the previous year.

Recognition for opposition leader

The enactment bill meanwhile is expected to include provisions to give due recognition to the position of state opposition leader, something that was not officially recognised by the previous government.

lim guan eng vs koh tsu koon penang 080808 03 With the enactment, the state opposition leader is expected to enjoy various privileges, allowances and other benefits within and outside the House.

The Penang government believes such recognition would inspire "more mature and progressive political development" in the state and enhance cooperation among all elected representatives in working for the people.

Lim said that the position of a state opposition leader was imperative to promote democracy and an effective and decisive check and balance system in the state administration.

"An effective opposition front is as important as a dynamic and vibrant state government," he said.

Some 65 oral and 433 written questions have been raised by various assemblypersons for the sitting.

Upgrading works

Asked whether the six days sitting would be enough, Abdul Halim said sitting hours would be extended until late night if necessary.

He hopes that unlike the last sitting, assemblypersons would be more focused this time to delivering constructive views and engage in lively issue-orientated debates rather than 'one-upmanship' shows.

penang state assembly oppostion leadership 101108 01 The WebTV, which was introduced in the last July sitting, would keep the assemblypersons on their toes to perform.

The House will also have new 16 closed circuit surveillance cameras, a new electricity power supply system with increased capacity, upgraded air-conditioned system and an upgraded ceiling with secured gypsum plastered cornices.

In the last sitting, panic engulfed the House lobby when several cornices gave way from the ceiling.

The state government has spent RM875,450 for the upgrading work since July.