Lim Guan Eng 林冠英
Lim Guan Eng (born 8 December 1960) is the 4th Chief Minister of the State of Penang and Secretary-General of the Malaysian Democratic Action Party (DAP). He is the son of Lim Kit Siang, Leader of the Opposition in the Dewan Rakyat from 1973 to 1999 and 2004 to 2008. Lim married to Betty Chew Gek Cheng, a member of the DAP and a state assemblywoman in Malacca.
Early education
Lim Guan Eng attended the La Salle Primary English School in Petaling Jaya, and later the Batu Pahat Montfort Primary English School. For secondary education, he went to Batu Pahat High School and Malacca High School. He graduated from Monash University, Australia in Bachelor of Economics and was a qualified professional accountant by 1983. He was the president of MUISS (Monash University International Student Society).
Political careerPrior to his political career, Lim was a Bank Senior executive. Lim was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Kota Melaka in 1986, after defeating Soh Chin Aun with a majority of 17,606 votes. He was re-elected in the subsequent 1990 and 1995 general elections, albeit with reduced majority votes. He thus became the first person to be elected for three consecutive terms in Kota Melaka. He was also the first Malacca High School alumnus to achieve this.
After joining the Democratic Action Party, he was appointed as the DAP Socialist Youth Chairman in 1989 and was elected to that post in 1992. In 1995, he was elected as the DAP Deputy Secretary-General. Lim was elected as the party Secretary-General in 2004, and has held the position since.
Early education
Lim Guan Eng attended the La Salle Primary English School in Petaling Jaya, and later the Batu Pahat Montfort Primary English School. For secondary education, he went to Batu Pahat High School and Malacca High School. He graduated from Monash University, Australia in Bachelor of Economics and was a qualified professional accountant by 1983. He was the president of MUISS (Monash University International Student Society).
Political careerPrior to his political career, Lim was a Bank Senior executive. Lim was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Kota Melaka in 1986, after defeating Soh Chin Aun with a majority of 17,606 votes. He was re-elected in the subsequent 1990 and 1995 general elections, albeit with reduced majority votes. He thus became the first person to be elected for three consecutive terms in Kota Melaka. He was also the first Malacca High School alumnus to achieve this.
After joining the Democratic Action Party, he was appointed as the DAP Socialist Youth Chairman in 1989 and was elected to that post in 1992. In 1995, he was elected as the DAP Deputy Secretary-General. Lim was elected as the party Secretary-General in 2004, and has held the position since.
Jailed under Sedition Act
Lim was arrested by the Malaysian police in 1994, following his criticism on the government's handling of allegations of statutory rape in one of his constituents by former Chief Minister of the state of Melaka, Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik. Consequently, while the Attorney General decided not to press charges Rahim Thamby Chik, Lim was charged under Section 4(1) (b) of the Sedition Act 1948 for causing 'disaffection with the administration of justice in Malaysia'. Lim was also charged under Section 8A (1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 for 'maliciously printing' a pamphlet containing allegedly 'false information' because he had described the alleged rape victim as an 'imprisoned victim' because she was initially detained by Malaysian police without parental consent for 10 days. During the judicial procedure, Lim was quoted saying:
“If I fail and have to go to jail, I have no regrets. I have no regrets of going down fighting for the principles of truth and justice. And pursuit of human rights, especially women's rights. There can be no women's rights if women rape victims are considered equally responsible, and even detained, whilst the accused remain free.” — Lim Guan Eng
After a series of appeals, Lim was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. He was, however, released after 12 months on August 25, 1999. Due to his incarceration, he was disallowed from standing for election to public office for a period of 5 years, and he was therefore ineligible to contest in the 2004 Malaysian General Election.
Internal bickering
In 2005, Lim suffered a surprise defeat in his campaign for re-election to the Melaka DAP committee when he and his wife came in last and second-last (respectively). However, as Lim remained Secretary-General of the party, he was automatically included among the committee under the party constitution. Although his wife remained the chief of the state DAP women's wing, she was not included in the committee. Teresa Kok, a DAP Member of Parliament, suggested there was a conspiracy behind Lim's and Chew's ouster from the committee. Nevertheless, Lim garnered the second highest number of votes (620) at the party's 15th National Congress on August 23, 2008.
Lim was arrested by the Malaysian police in 1994, following his criticism on the government's handling of allegations of statutory rape in one of his constituents by former Chief Minister of the state of Melaka, Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik. Consequently, while the Attorney General decided not to press charges Rahim Thamby Chik, Lim was charged under Section 4(1) (b) of the Sedition Act 1948 for causing 'disaffection with the administration of justice in Malaysia'. Lim was also charged under Section 8A (1) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 for 'maliciously printing' a pamphlet containing allegedly 'false information' because he had described the alleged rape victim as an 'imprisoned victim' because she was initially detained by Malaysian police without parental consent for 10 days. During the judicial procedure, Lim was quoted saying:
“If I fail and have to go to jail, I have no regrets. I have no regrets of going down fighting for the principles of truth and justice. And pursuit of human rights, especially women's rights. There can be no women's rights if women rape victims are considered equally responsible, and even detained, whilst the accused remain free.” — Lim Guan Eng
After a series of appeals, Lim was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. He was, however, released after 12 months on August 25, 1999. Due to his incarceration, he was disallowed from standing for election to public office for a period of 5 years, and he was therefore ineligible to contest in the 2004 Malaysian General Election.
Internal bickering
In 2005, Lim suffered a surprise defeat in his campaign for re-election to the Melaka DAP committee when he and his wife came in last and second-last (respectively). However, as Lim remained Secretary-General of the party, he was automatically included among the committee under the party constitution. Although his wife remained the chief of the state DAP women's wing, she was not included in the committee. Teresa Kok, a DAP Member of Parliament, suggested there was a conspiracy behind Lim's and Chew's ouster from the committee. Nevertheless, Lim garnered the second highest number of votes (620) at the party's 15th National Congress on August 23, 2008.
Chief Minister of Penang
In 2008 Malaysian general election, the coalition of DAP-PKR-PAS later known as the Pakatan Rakyat won 29 out of 40 state seats contested, in which DAP is the largest winning party with 19 seats, PKR 9 seats, and PAS 1, and thus defeated the former ruling coalition Barisan Nasional for the authority to rule Penang for the next five years. Even though, Lim is not a Penangite, as the Secretary-General of DAP, he was nominated to be the next Chief Minister (CM) of Penang replacing long serving former Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon. Senior DAP leaders of Penang such as Lim Hock Seng, Phee Boon Poh, and Chow Kon Yeow were bypassed and were instead appointed as excos.
Governance
As the new Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng announced an amnesty on all summonses issued by the Penang Municipal Council and Seberang Perai Municipal Council involving vendors' licences and parking offences issued before March 2008. On March 14, a rowdy group comprising mostly Umno members and supporters took to the streets illegally after Friday prayers to protest his statements on the NEP. No arrests were made but two men were taken in for questioning. Various BN-backed groups and NGOs continued to make different sorts of protest and lodge police reports as a form of continued harassment.
On March 19, 2008, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced that the state exco had approved an open tender system for projects exceeding RM50,000. For projects between RM20,000 and RM50,000, a balloting system will be introduced and a two-week objection period would be given for both the open tender and balloting systems. This is a stark contrast to BN government's usual way of directly awarding lucrative contracts to companies without any form of open tendering, mostly to shell companies created by connected personnel or BN politicians; a major project, the Penang International Convention Centre(PICC) was nearly launched without open tender. As of 2010, Penang remains the only state in Malaysia that practises a blanket open tendering system.
During Lim's tenure as Chief Minister, Penang has ranked top among the list of investments in Malaysia, attracting RM12.2 billion worth of total capital investments as of 2010, which accounts for 25% of total investments in Malaysia. This is also a 465% increase compared to the total investment of RM2.17 billion as of 2009. Consequently in 2011, Penang became top in manufacturing investment in Malaysia for the second consecutive year, with RM9.1 billion in total. In a new measurement indicator of total investment however, which comprises manufacturing, services and private sectors, Penang ranked second in Malaysia after Sarawak in total investments, with the total amount of RM14.038 billion, this was due to not having much primary sector investments. Consequently, the public debt in Penang has decreased by 95% from RM630 million in 2008 to RM30 million at the end of 2011.
On April 28, 2011, Lim signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China, which is witnessed by Chinese premier Wen Jiabao and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak on the proposal of the construction of three road and tunnel projects in Penang island, including a 6.5km undersea tunnel, a third link between the island and Butterworth on the mainland. According to Lim, this would ease traffic congestion in the area and to improve the links between the island and the mainland.
In 2008 Malaysian general election, the coalition of DAP-PKR-PAS later known as the Pakatan Rakyat won 29 out of 40 state seats contested, in which DAP is the largest winning party with 19 seats, PKR 9 seats, and PAS 1, and thus defeated the former ruling coalition Barisan Nasional for the authority to rule Penang for the next five years. Even though, Lim is not a Penangite, as the Secretary-General of DAP, he was nominated to be the next Chief Minister (CM) of Penang replacing long serving former Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon. Senior DAP leaders of Penang such as Lim Hock Seng, Phee Boon Poh, and Chow Kon Yeow were bypassed and were instead appointed as excos.
Governance
As the new Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng announced an amnesty on all summonses issued by the Penang Municipal Council and Seberang Perai Municipal Council involving vendors' licences and parking offences issued before March 2008. On March 14, a rowdy group comprising mostly Umno members and supporters took to the streets illegally after Friday prayers to protest his statements on the NEP. No arrests were made but two men were taken in for questioning. Various BN-backed groups and NGOs continued to make different sorts of protest and lodge police reports as a form of continued harassment.
On March 19, 2008, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced that the state exco had approved an open tender system for projects exceeding RM50,000. For projects between RM20,000 and RM50,000, a balloting system will be introduced and a two-week objection period would be given for both the open tender and balloting systems. This is a stark contrast to BN government's usual way of directly awarding lucrative contracts to companies without any form of open tendering, mostly to shell companies created by connected personnel or BN politicians; a major project, the Penang International Convention Centre(PICC) was nearly launched without open tender. As of 2010, Penang remains the only state in Malaysia that practises a blanket open tendering system.
During Lim's tenure as Chief Minister, Penang has ranked top among the list of investments in Malaysia, attracting RM12.2 billion worth of total capital investments as of 2010, which accounts for 25% of total investments in Malaysia. This is also a 465% increase compared to the total investment of RM2.17 billion as of 2009. Consequently in 2011, Penang became top in manufacturing investment in Malaysia for the second consecutive year, with RM9.1 billion in total. In a new measurement indicator of total investment however, which comprises manufacturing, services and private sectors, Penang ranked second in Malaysia after Sarawak in total investments, with the total amount of RM14.038 billion, this was due to not having much primary sector investments. Consequently, the public debt in Penang has decreased by 95% from RM630 million in 2008 to RM30 million at the end of 2011.
On April 28, 2011, Lim signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China, which is witnessed by Chinese premier Wen Jiabao and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak on the proposal of the construction of three road and tunnel projects in Penang island, including a 6.5km undersea tunnel, a third link between the island and Butterworth on the mainland. According to Lim, this would ease traffic congestion in the area and to improve the links between the island and the mainland.
Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT)
The Penang state government, led by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, has launched the concept of Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT) in his governance. The slogan propels the state government to achieve an efficient, responsible and clean government. Aside from that, the emphasis of the slogan aims to allow people in Penang to share the state government's prosperity when the slogan is achieved. Furthermore, it also aims to make Penang into a cleaner, greener and safer state. CAT also comprises positive work ethics and inculcate a team spirit based on performance. This slogan is eventually achieved when the state government enjoy record budget surpluses in successfully attracting up to RM 12.2 billion of total capital investments and practicing an open tender system. According to the international weekly newsmagazine The Economist, the reform of the government with its new policies has ended the cronyism and corruption that that led to major deficits under the previous regime.
As a result, the Penang state government has received praise from the Auditor-General as the best financially managed state in Malaysia each year from 2008-2010. According to the AG report, the consolidated fund has increased by 2.7%, from RM1,101.89mil in 2009 to RM1,131.17mil in 2010. Likewise, the consolidated revenue fund has surged by 6.2% from RM538.95mil in 2009 to RM572.49mil in 2010. Aside from that, Penang has also won accolades from Transparency International for implementing open tenders in awarding contracts.
Welfare aids and programs
These record budget surpluses are directed towards social benefits such as financial aid to the hardcore poor, cash handouts to the elderly as anti-corruption dividend, upgrading of public housing, free Wi-Fi internet services at selected hot spots and free bus services within the city and between Penang island and Seberang Perai for workers. Social welfare aid of RM100 is awarded annually to senior citizens, single mothers, disabled individuals, new-born babies and school-going pupils in Primary 1 to 4 as well as Form 1 to 4.
SMART Centre Penang is an initiative set up by the Penang state government and think tank investPenang during the Penang Outlook Forum in June 2009 chaired by Lim. SMART Centre intends to provide market intelligence, business advisory, information and resources and training services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Penang. In assisting these SMEs, it focuses on promotion of local sourcing, investments and networking by providing various programmes such as business matching, seminars and talks.
Cleaner, Greener Penang
Cleaner, Greener Penang is an initiative by the Penang state government launched in 2010 as part of an effort to transform Penang into the environmentally friendliest and most livable city in Malaysia through education, enforcement and appreciation. This is to restore the current living environment into a cleaner and more sustainable city, which in turn improving the quality of life.
The Penang state government, led by Lim, enforced the ban on free plastic bags throughout the state on January 1, 2010, despite getting an initial lukewarm response from retail outlets. Lim said the move would reduce the state's garbage production and carbon footprint. Retail stores, food outlets and hawker stalls state-wide are required to adhere to the rulings in order to ensure of the renewal of business licences. The proceedings from the sale of plastic bags went to the "Partners Against Poverty" Special Fund to assist the state's hardcore poor. This initiative was the first of its kind in Malaysia.
On December 11, 2011, Lim initiated the Car Free Day which would be held every Sunday at particular stretches of roads in the interior city of George Town, Penang. All motorised vehicles are prohibited from entering these areas on that day, which are part of Lim's efforts transform Penang into a sustainable city and fight climate change. In addition, the state government is also considering a proposal to set up bicycle lanes around Penang island, mainly along coastal areas, and Seberang Perai, which is scheduled to complete by 2020. The dedicated bicycle lanes inPenang island will cover a coastal route between Penang Second Bridge to Batu Maung and Teluk Bahang. In Seberang Perai, it will cover a total of 140km stretch covering state and town roads, subjecting to feedback from the public. Lim wanted to promote Penang as the first state to promote cycling as a healthy form of activity and reduce dependency on motorised vehicles.
Foreign delegations and state visits
On November 6, 2011 the Penang state government under Lim's leadership managed to strengthen ties and forge friendship with the state of Victoria, Australia when the Governor of Victoria Alex Chernov had an official visit to Penang for a day-long visit with the invitation of the state government.
On November 15, 2011 Penang had hosted the official visit by Governor General of Canada the Right Honourable David Johnston and the ex-Speaker of the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan for 2 days. Penang had managed to forge foreign relations with Canada and Japan, which consequently managed to strengthen trade ties to lure foreign investors in Penang. Johnston's first visit to the state was welcomed by Lim and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Abdul Rahman Abbas and walked around the Penang Heritage Trail together with his delegation.
Other foreign delegations who visited Penang include the South Australian Minister of Police and Governor of Bangkok Sukhumbhand Paribatra.
Several investment and business delegations has been led by Lim on state visits to Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Melbourne, Adelaide, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Lim's official visit to Bangkok also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Penang and Bangkok, which enable Penang to be a rapid growing world-class and international city. Prior to this state visit, Penang is looking to develop its tourism skills by seeking cooperation with Bangkok. Lim said that the state aspires to be enhanced into a global city status by putting itself as a major economic hub, a top choice for investors, a desirable place for tourists and a habitat of choice for people who want to earn a sustainable living.
Controversy
On September 20, 2011, Lim Guan Eng participated in an interview conducted by Australia Broadcasting Corporation where he was reported by the Malaysian news agency, Bernama, to have disparaged the security of the state of Johor. Lim Guan Eng insisted he never mentioned Johor, and demanded that Bernama retract their story and issue a formal apology, or face a lawsuit. However, a recording was later revealed by the government controlled television channel, TV3, showing clear evidence of Lim Guan Eng proclaiming that Singaporeans who are in Johor are "likely to be kidnapped". The recording of Lim Guan Eng's remark was made in Singapore. This led Lim Guan Eng to issue a formal apology to the Sultan of Johor.
On December 14, 2011, Lim has won the defamation suit against Malay daily Utusan Malaysia, which has been ordered by the Penang High Court to pay a total of RM200,000 worth of damages and a cost of RM25,000 to him. Utusan Malaysia had allegedly publishing a false, malicious and defamatory news article about Lim. Judge Varghese George Varughese has found seven paragraphs on Utusan Malaysia's article entitled "Kebiadapan Guan Eng" (Guan Eng's Arrogance) which had defamed his political career, and subsequently picturing him and DAP as anti-Malay and anti-Muslim. Lim was represented by Jagdeep Singh Deo, his lawyer. On January 2011 Lim has filed the suit at the Penang High Court. The article which was published on December 2010, accused DAP as tool for foreign government in undermining the Malaysian federal government and urged DAP to be banned. The Malay daily also claimed Lim as being racist and anti-Malay after the Pakatan Rakyat 2010 Convention. However, judge G.V Varughese has said that the article was mere rhetoric and not backed by facts. He added that there was also no verification of information in the article as the writer of the article had said that there was a boycott of Utusan Malaysia and therefore, could not verify the facts.
Earlier in 2012 Penang state UMNO Youth Chief Shaik Hussein Mydin accused the Penang state government had violated laws that it had sold the Bayan Mutiara land to developer Ivory Property Group Berhad without subdividing the land. He also claimed that the state government sold the land without open tender and made no provision for mosques. However, Lim Guan Eng had shown evidence that it has been sold via open tender and thus explained that the developer would only do the subdividing when it submits development plans for the 41.5-ha real estate to Penang Municipal Council. The developer had clarified that land for the mosque and school has been allocated and adhered to the town planning regulation after the new plans and subdivision of title has been submitted.
On June 22, 2011 Lim has won the second defamation suit against Utusan Malaysia, which was ordered by the Penang High Court to pay a total of RM200,000 worth of damages and RM20,000 in costs to the former. The Malay daily had been found guilty by the court of defaming Lim in a published news article headlined "Tiada Lagi DEB" (No More NEP), which said that Lim would abolish the New Economic Policy. Lim claimed that the article was false and inaccurate.
Personal life
Lim is married to Betty Chew Gek Cheng (周玉清), who is also the State Assemblywoman for Kota Laksamana in Melaka. She is the first serving assemblywoman to be married to a Chief Minister. They have four children.
From Wikipedia
The Penang state government, led by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, has launched the concept of Competency, Accountability and Transparency (CAT) in his governance. The slogan propels the state government to achieve an efficient, responsible and clean government. Aside from that, the emphasis of the slogan aims to allow people in Penang to share the state government's prosperity when the slogan is achieved. Furthermore, it also aims to make Penang into a cleaner, greener and safer state. CAT also comprises positive work ethics and inculcate a team spirit based on performance. This slogan is eventually achieved when the state government enjoy record budget surpluses in successfully attracting up to RM 12.2 billion of total capital investments and practicing an open tender system. According to the international weekly newsmagazine The Economist, the reform of the government with its new policies has ended the cronyism and corruption that that led to major deficits under the previous regime.
As a result, the Penang state government has received praise from the Auditor-General as the best financially managed state in Malaysia each year from 2008-2010. According to the AG report, the consolidated fund has increased by 2.7%, from RM1,101.89mil in 2009 to RM1,131.17mil in 2010. Likewise, the consolidated revenue fund has surged by 6.2% from RM538.95mil in 2009 to RM572.49mil in 2010. Aside from that, Penang has also won accolades from Transparency International for implementing open tenders in awarding contracts.
Welfare aids and programs
These record budget surpluses are directed towards social benefits such as financial aid to the hardcore poor, cash handouts to the elderly as anti-corruption dividend, upgrading of public housing, free Wi-Fi internet services at selected hot spots and free bus services within the city and between Penang island and Seberang Perai for workers. Social welfare aid of RM100 is awarded annually to senior citizens, single mothers, disabled individuals, new-born babies and school-going pupils in Primary 1 to 4 as well as Form 1 to 4.
SMART Centre Penang is an initiative set up by the Penang state government and think tank investPenang during the Penang Outlook Forum in June 2009 chaired by Lim. SMART Centre intends to provide market intelligence, business advisory, information and resources and training services to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Penang. In assisting these SMEs, it focuses on promotion of local sourcing, investments and networking by providing various programmes such as business matching, seminars and talks.
Cleaner, Greener Penang
Cleaner, Greener Penang is an initiative by the Penang state government launched in 2010 as part of an effort to transform Penang into the environmentally friendliest and most livable city in Malaysia through education, enforcement and appreciation. This is to restore the current living environment into a cleaner and more sustainable city, which in turn improving the quality of life.
The Penang state government, led by Lim, enforced the ban on free plastic bags throughout the state on January 1, 2010, despite getting an initial lukewarm response from retail outlets. Lim said the move would reduce the state's garbage production and carbon footprint. Retail stores, food outlets and hawker stalls state-wide are required to adhere to the rulings in order to ensure of the renewal of business licences. The proceedings from the sale of plastic bags went to the "Partners Against Poverty" Special Fund to assist the state's hardcore poor. This initiative was the first of its kind in Malaysia.
On December 11, 2011, Lim initiated the Car Free Day which would be held every Sunday at particular stretches of roads in the interior city of George Town, Penang. All motorised vehicles are prohibited from entering these areas on that day, which are part of Lim's efforts transform Penang into a sustainable city and fight climate change. In addition, the state government is also considering a proposal to set up bicycle lanes around Penang island, mainly along coastal areas, and Seberang Perai, which is scheduled to complete by 2020. The dedicated bicycle lanes inPenang island will cover a coastal route between Penang Second Bridge to Batu Maung and Teluk Bahang. In Seberang Perai, it will cover a total of 140km stretch covering state and town roads, subjecting to feedback from the public. Lim wanted to promote Penang as the first state to promote cycling as a healthy form of activity and reduce dependency on motorised vehicles.
Foreign delegations and state visits
On November 6, 2011 the Penang state government under Lim's leadership managed to strengthen ties and forge friendship with the state of Victoria, Australia when the Governor of Victoria Alex Chernov had an official visit to Penang for a day-long visit with the invitation of the state government.
On November 15, 2011 Penang had hosted the official visit by Governor General of Canada the Right Honourable David Johnston and the ex-Speaker of the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan for 2 days. Penang had managed to forge foreign relations with Canada and Japan, which consequently managed to strengthen trade ties to lure foreign investors in Penang. Johnston's first visit to the state was welcomed by Lim and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Abdul Rahman Abbas and walked around the Penang Heritage Trail together with his delegation.
Other foreign delegations who visited Penang include the South Australian Minister of Police and Governor of Bangkok Sukhumbhand Paribatra.
Several investment and business delegations has been led by Lim on state visits to Tokyo, Bangkok, Singapore, Melbourne, Adelaide, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Lim's official visit to Bangkok also witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Penang and Bangkok, which enable Penang to be a rapid growing world-class and international city. Prior to this state visit, Penang is looking to develop its tourism skills by seeking cooperation with Bangkok. Lim said that the state aspires to be enhanced into a global city status by putting itself as a major economic hub, a top choice for investors, a desirable place for tourists and a habitat of choice for people who want to earn a sustainable living.
Controversy
On September 20, 2011, Lim Guan Eng participated in an interview conducted by Australia Broadcasting Corporation where he was reported by the Malaysian news agency, Bernama, to have disparaged the security of the state of Johor. Lim Guan Eng insisted he never mentioned Johor, and demanded that Bernama retract their story and issue a formal apology, or face a lawsuit. However, a recording was later revealed by the government controlled television channel, TV3, showing clear evidence of Lim Guan Eng proclaiming that Singaporeans who are in Johor are "likely to be kidnapped". The recording of Lim Guan Eng's remark was made in Singapore. This led Lim Guan Eng to issue a formal apology to the Sultan of Johor.
On December 14, 2011, Lim has won the defamation suit against Malay daily Utusan Malaysia, which has been ordered by the Penang High Court to pay a total of RM200,000 worth of damages and a cost of RM25,000 to him. Utusan Malaysia had allegedly publishing a false, malicious and defamatory news article about Lim. Judge Varghese George Varughese has found seven paragraphs on Utusan Malaysia's article entitled "Kebiadapan Guan Eng" (Guan Eng's Arrogance) which had defamed his political career, and subsequently picturing him and DAP as anti-Malay and anti-Muslim. Lim was represented by Jagdeep Singh Deo, his lawyer. On January 2011 Lim has filed the suit at the Penang High Court. The article which was published on December 2010, accused DAP as tool for foreign government in undermining the Malaysian federal government and urged DAP to be banned. The Malay daily also claimed Lim as being racist and anti-Malay after the Pakatan Rakyat 2010 Convention. However, judge G.V Varughese has said that the article was mere rhetoric and not backed by facts. He added that there was also no verification of information in the article as the writer of the article had said that there was a boycott of Utusan Malaysia and therefore, could not verify the facts.
Earlier in 2012 Penang state UMNO Youth Chief Shaik Hussein Mydin accused the Penang state government had violated laws that it had sold the Bayan Mutiara land to developer Ivory Property Group Berhad without subdividing the land. He also claimed that the state government sold the land without open tender and made no provision for mosques. However, Lim Guan Eng had shown evidence that it has been sold via open tender and thus explained that the developer would only do the subdividing when it submits development plans for the 41.5-ha real estate to Penang Municipal Council. The developer had clarified that land for the mosque and school has been allocated and adhered to the town planning regulation after the new plans and subdivision of title has been submitted.
On June 22, 2011 Lim has won the second defamation suit against Utusan Malaysia, which was ordered by the Penang High Court to pay a total of RM200,000 worth of damages and RM20,000 in costs to the former. The Malay daily had been found guilty by the court of defaming Lim in a published news article headlined "Tiada Lagi DEB" (No More NEP), which said that Lim would abolish the New Economic Policy. Lim claimed that the article was false and inaccurate.
Personal life
Lim is married to Betty Chew Gek Cheng (周玉清), who is also the State Assemblywoman for Kota Laksamana in Melaka. She is the first serving assemblywoman to be married to a Chief Minister. They have four children.
From Wikipedia
