KOTA BHARU – Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang are in the Super League, said Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah, and should not be used as a yardstick for development.
Instead, Kelantan’s development should be compared to Pahang and Negri Sembilan, he added.
“Using a football analogy, KL, Selangor and Penang are in the Super League. Kelantan’s development rate should be compared to states such as Pahang and Negri Sembilan.
“All states are lagging behind Selangor, KL and Penang,” he was quoted as saying by Harian Metro.
“We have to understand that KL is the country’s capital city while Selangor is the nearest to it. Penang has long been a developed state. These states have infrastructure such as ports, roads and highways,” he said in a live programme known as Kelantan Maju 2028.
PAS has ruled Kelantan for 33 years since 1990 and the state’s lack of development is often used as political fodder.
To this, Amar said lagging development is not due to the state government, and that the state did not see much growth when Umno was in power for 12 years.
“For example, Gua Musang did not see much progress during Umno’s 12-year rule. Now, the constituency has businesses because of our efforts and governance.”
He added that Kelantan has roads, hospitals, businesses, schools and highways being built.
“Hospitals, schools, etc are the responsibility of the federal government. Federal and state governments each have its responsibilities and jurisdiction.”
Yesterday, Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi appealed to Kelantan voters to give an opportunity to unity government parties to win the August 12 state election.
“But this time try to give your support to us. Insya-Allah, we will do our best. To parents, tell your children who will be returning (to vote) and those already staying in this state, enough for now because 33 years (of administration) is too long.”
Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan and Terengganu are heading to the polls on August 12. Nomination day is on July 29. – July 24, 2023