PENANG, March 6 (Bernama) -- Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon reminded voters to choose the party with a proven track record, and not to be emotional.

He said they should evaluate the Barisan Nasional-led government's service record and achievements, and not be misled by the opposition's empty promises which could ruin the country.

Koh said the recognition given by various organisations abroad on Penang's performance showed that the state government succeeded in looking after the people's well-being, stimulating the economic growth, and improving the state's infrastructure.

Speaking to reporters here, he urged the people to vote for BN based on its performance, and not be influenced by the "behaviour and utterances" of certain individuals" as they would not be reflected in the BN's policies.

Koh, who has led the Penang state government for 18 years, said the ECA International, the world's largest membership organisation for international human resources, two days ago ranked Georgetown's living condition at 49th in the world with the biggest improvement in living standard in terms of recreation, housing, and personal safety.

Koh, who is also Gerakan acting president, said under the BN, Penang's economy was expected to flourish while investors' confidence would be further boosted.

"In the last 10 days of campaigning, the opposition called for all facilities to be provided free to the people.

"Where are we going to get the money for the development and services Definitely, they will be from revenue and taxes.

"Their proposals are not only childish but would also cause the taxpayers to pay more.

Besides raising taxes, they will also have to dig into the government's reserve.

"Who will eventually suffer from such measures" he said, adding that, such was the line of thinking of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Koh said when Anwar was the Finance Minister, the country would have gone bankrupt if the government had heeded the latter's advice that it sought help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and abided by its terms and conditions to address the economic turmoil in 1997.

On the DAP candidate for the Jelutong parliamentary seat, Jeff Ooi, Koh said Ooi rediculed the ability of local professionals and workers by saying that Penang had failed to acquire high technology.

"Jeff Ooi is insulting our local engineers and e-workers.

If we do not have the expertise, multinational companies like Motorola will not be setting up their factories and excellence centres here.

"Motorola guarded its reputation as a global player. The statement is irresponsible to foreign investors as it will shake their confidence.

"This is the thinking of the opposition. What will happen if they were to come to power" he said, adding that, the people should open their mind and not be deceived by the opposition's trickery.