Penang governor: Venue will safeguard dignity of state ceremonies
GEORGE TOWN: Efforts to build a ceremonial hall at the Seri Mutiara official residence should be expedited to safeguard the dignity and heritage of Penang’s state investiture ceremonies, says Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.
He said a dedicated ceremonial hall would allow state orders, decorations and medals to be presented with the decorum, customs and grandeur befitting the occasion.
“It is fitting for Penang to have its own ceremonial hall as a landmark of the state’s prestige and a venue to preserve customs and heritage passed down through generations,” he said at the investiture ceremony held in conjunction with his 85th birthday celebrations at Dewan Sri Pinang yesterday.
Ramli said an application for the project had been submitted to the federal government and expressed hope that it would receive favourable consideration.
He also reminded recipients that state honours are not merely recognition of past achievements but carry a responsibility to continue serving society.
He urged them to leave a legacy defined not only by their titles but also by their public service and good deeds.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state is seeking recognition for its mangrove area in Penaga as part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway network.
He said the move would strengthen the protection of migratory bird habitats and make Penang the first state in Peninsular Malaysia to receive such recognition.
“Efforts to conserve biodiversity, strengthen environmental enforcement and protect our natural heritage will continue to ensure development progresses alongside environmental preservation,” he said.
Chow added that Penang’s permanent forest reserves have expanded to 6,509.21ha, including 3,640ha designated as water catchment areas, helping to strengthen the state’s long-term water security.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil headed the list of 1,221 recipients of state honours, awards and medals, receiving the Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN), which carries the title Datuk Seri.
A total of 101 individuals are receiving state honours while 1,120 others are being conferred awards and medals over the four-day ceremony. Nineteen recipients received the Darjah Gemilang Pangkuan Negeri (DGPN), which also carries the title Datuk Seri.
Among them were M Summit Group chairman Datuk Moh See Eng, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, Mara Incorporated Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Mohammad, Pelita Samudra Pertama (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Tan Sri Murugan Doraisamy, executive director Datuk KK Sihabutheen Kirudu Mohamed, Chief Judge of Malaya Datuk Seri Hashim Hamzah, Menara Rezeki Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Saiful Nizam Mohd Yusoff, Konsultant Proses Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Ramakrishnan Govindasamy, Dynuricom Sdn Bhd and AKS Nivaas Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Muralidaran Ragunathan, Bullish Aim Group of Companies group managing director Datuk Peh Lai Yian, Vestland Bhd group chief executive officer Datuk Soo Sze Ching, Chong Company Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Chan Fok Seng, EcoWorld Development Group Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Chang Khim Wah, PENPEC Group group executive director Datuk Saw Chang Heng, and Mara director-general Datuk Zulfikri Osman.
