An Update on Malaysia’s Political Situation and What the Future Holds
VIEW EVENT DETAILS[FULL HOUSE]
Afternoon Presentation by The Right Honourable Mr. Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang, Malaysia
Afternoon Reception at 5.00pm
Presentation at 5.30pm
Close at 6.30pm
*Program will be live-webcasted on http://asiasociety.org/hong-kong/live
Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious population of 30 million and one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant economies due to its rich natural resources and political stability over the past decades. However, as Malaysia approaches its 58th anniversary of independence since 1957, the country is currently undergoing major challenges in its economic and political direction. Despite being ahead of most ASEAN and some developed countries with a strong record of 5.6 percent GDP growth in the first quarter of 2015, Malaysia's crude-exporting economy is feeling the impact of lower oil prices and sharp currency depreciation. Furthermore, Malaysia’s delicate political and ethnic balance is beginning to unravel, with the country facing many political challenges over the past year. Join us in an afternoon presentation with the Chief Minister of Penang, Malaysia as he shares his views and insights on Malaysia’s political scenario and what lies in store for the country.
The Right Honourable Mr. Lim Guan Eng is Penang’s fourth Chief Minister, and currently serving his second term. He is also Secretary General of the Democratic Action Party (DAP). Mr. Lim was elected as a Member of Parliament for Kota Melaka in 1986 and continued serving for three terms. He was appointed as the Socialist Youth Chairman of DAP in 1990 and elected to the same position in 1992. Mr. Lim values clean leadership and good governance. Under Mr Lim’s leadership, the Penang State Government was able to achieve surpluses every year since 2008, reducing state debt by 95% and increasing state assets by 50%. Penang also became the top state in Malaysia in attracting investments and FDI in 2010 and 2011 as well as becoming the first state in Malaysian history to diminish poverty in 2013. Mr. Lim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Monash University, Australia and is a qualified accountant.