GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng yesterday launched the inaugural issue of the state government's magazine, Suara Rakyat Pulau Pinang.

The magazine, printed in three languages, contained information on the state's achievements since the DAP and its partner, Parti Keadilan Rakyat, took over the government of Penang.

About 20,000 copies will be distributed free to all state government agencies and departments, residents' associations and village development and security committees.

Lim said the state government hoped to publish three issues a year and increase the frequency to six next year.

State opposition chief Datuk Azhar Ibrahim described the magazine as a political publication. He questioned the state government's move in not helping inPenang to proceed with its publication.
inPenang is a privately-published magazine to showcase Penang as a tourist and heritage attraction.

In its latest issue, it indicated that it may cease operations as the state government was no longer giving it funds.

Azhar estimated that Suara Rakyat would cost about RM5 per copy.

"This means, the state government will have to spend RM300,000 a year for the publication. That is a lot of money."