GEORGE TOWN: Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak attended the first day of the state awards ceremony in conjunction with his 72nd birthday at Dewan Sri Pinang today.
The head of state arrived at 9am, accompanied by his consort Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor.
Media Prima Bhd Group chairman Datuk Dr Syed Hussian Aljunid led the list of recipients today and was conferred with the second highest award.
He was conferred with the Darjah Panglima Pangkuan Negeri (DPPN), which carries the title "Datuk Seri".
Upon arrival, the Governor was greeted by state officials, including Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and other dignitaries.
A 17-gun salute was fired to commemorate his birthday.
Ahmad Fuzi then saluted the guard-of-honour inside the venue.
During Ahmad Fuzi's speech, he expressed gratitude as Covid-19 cases in Penang are declining.
He also thanked Penangites for their cooperation in getting their vaccines with already 82.2 per cent of the adults and adolescents fully vaccinated as of Oct 27.
He said that the Penang government has supplied RM176.45 million worth of Pakej Bantuan Rakyat to the locals since the country was struck by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also said there are parties which are still affected due to uncertainty in the economic situation.
He said the modernity and progress enjoyed by the state will not mean much if the people are burdened with hardships due to the rising cost of living.
"Therefore, to ensure the well-being of the people continues to be a priority, I hope the state government will continue to strengthen the principles of good and efficient governance, with any development planning policy decisions made must be based on justice and take into account all the needs of the people regardless of religion, race as well as any political ideology.
"As a people-oriented government, the rising cost of living needs to be addressed more proactively and effectively," he said.
The ceremony concluded by 12pm and will continue tomorrow and on Nov 8, 9 and 10.