PENANG: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has expressed the hope that incoming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would give emphasis to inculcating positive values in his administration.

He said that the principle of truth, justice, freedom, welfare and fear of God should be upheld in administering the country. Speaking to reporters in his office here Thursday (2 April), Lim said he also hoped that Najib and his cabinet would provide direct assistance especially to those who had been retrenched following the global economic slowdown, such as by providing financial assistance of RM800 each.

Profit from Petronas, he said, should be utilised to help the people and "not to bail out certain companies."

Najib is expected to take his oath of office as the sixth prime minister Friday (3 April), replacing Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in the leadership transition plan agreed by both of them.

Lim also paid tribute to Abdullah, saying as Penang-born leader, Abdullah had brought honour to the state by reaching the apex of the country's administration. "We are proud of him and will not forget him. He is a kind-hearted man, pious and sincere," he said. (Bernama)