PENANG, March 5 (Bernama) - Penang is all geared up to enter a new golden era, with the possibility of having three full ministers representing the state in the future, outgoing chief minister, Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said today.

"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is from Penang. We also have the second finance minister, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop contesting in Tasek Gelugor and if I am chosen, I will also take a federal role," he said.

Koh said they would work hand-in-hand with Abdullah, who is also finance minister, to develop and grow the nation, specifically Penang, for the benefit of all races in the state.

"So, its a new golden era for Penang, which is expected to boost the confidence of Penangites. Given this, we hope the people will give their full support for us at both the state and parliament seats," he said at the ground-breaking ceremony of Perbadanan Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhds Sungai Dua treatment plant upgrading project in Tasek Gelugor, here.

Having said that, he also explained that the ministers appointments were solely upon the prime ministers discretion.

Asked on Malaysiakinis speculation that he would be defeated during the election, Koh said he was used to such statements in the past and therefore, it would not dampen his spirit to win.

"Whatever they want to write, they can write lah. I am used to it. Its okay. There are worse things they have said about me," he added.

Koh is contesting the Batu Kawan parliamentary seat against DAPs Dr P. Ramasamy.

Batu Kawan has 47,602 voters, of which 21 percent are Malays, 56.6 percent Chinese, 22.4 percent Indian and 4.3 percent other races.