Federal govt not neglecting Kelantan, Zahid says
PETALING JAYA : Deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has rubbished claims by a PAS leader that the federal government is obstructing development in Kelantan and neglecting the east coast state.
Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said such claims were outlandish.
He added that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would announce allocations for Kelantan each time he visited the state.
'The latest announcements, one of which I heard for myself, included the approval of RM6.6 million to repair a collapsed slope,' he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
On July 1, the Kelantan government thanked the federal government for approving the sum to repair the collapsed slope near a water treatment plant in Bukit Merah.
The slope collapsed on Nov 26 last year, following heavy rain.
Zahid said the federal government would also come to Kelantan's aid when floods struck the state.
'So I hope he gets the details from his leadership,' Zahid said, referring to PAS vice-president Amar Nik Abdullah.
'He should not mislead the public,' he added.
Amar had said in a Facebook post that Kelantan was the only state that did not have a highway.
He also said that the federal government had dragged its feet when it came to executing development projects.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
9 minutes ago
- Borneo Post
Salleh: GRS' polls partnership with PH reflects desire to maintain close ties with Anwar's administration
Salleh noted that GRS' decision to cooperate with PH likely reflects a strategic desire to maintain close ties with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration. — Bernama photo KOTA KINABALU (July 28): Gabungan Rakyat Sabah's (GRS) decision to partner with Pakatan Harapan (PH) in the upcoming state election should be respected, said Umno Sabah treasurer Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak. The former Sabah chief minister said in a Facebook post that GRS had made a conscious decision not to contest the election alone but instead align with national political forces, rejecting what he described as the 'Sarawak formula' of distancing from federal parties. 'GRS has ultimately rejected going solo and opted to align with national parties. Undoubtedly, they have their own reasons, and the people will be the judge,' he said. Salleh noted that GRS' decision to cooperate with PH likely reflects a strategic desire to maintain close ties with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration. 'Let us give them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps they want to work with the Prime Minister's party, which is PH, and to ensure strong ties with the federal government. This aligns with the need to ensure political stability and continued development for Sabah,' he said. He stressed that Barisan Nasional (BN), of which Umno is a component, had been consistent in its position from the beginning. 'We in BN have been clear from the start: forming a coalition with PH is the best approach for political stability. 'Our decision was made early on, based on the fact that both PH and BN form the foundation of the Unity Government at the federal level. This cooperation is a logical and responsible continuation of that partnership,' he explained. Salleh said how PH manages its relationship with both GRS and BN is not a concern for the coalition. 'What matters to us in BN is sincerity in partnership, and our focus remains on strengthening our party on the ground. We want to win and help our coalition partners,' he said. He also emphasised BN's political approach, saying: 'We do not play a double game. Our approach is clear, honest, transparent, and always for the good of the people of Sabah.' GRS-PH lead Salleh Said Keruak
New Straits Times
39 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Govt working with Thai counterparts to facilitate goods movement
KUALA LUMPUR: The government remains committed to strengthening strategic cooperation with the Thai Government to facilitate the movement of goods across border checkpoints, including through the Durian Burung entry point in Kedah. Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Liew Chin Tong told the Dewan Rakyat that the government was working closely with Thai counterparts to ease goods movement across the northern border and to support export needs for industries such as Kedah Rubber City. "Miti remains committed to strengthening strategic cooperation with the Thai government to facilitate the movement of goods across border checkpoints, including through the Durian Burung entry point. "This effort requires close collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, such as the Finance Ministry, Home Ministry, the Immigration Department, the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), and the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA)," he said in response to a question from Nurul Amin Hamid (PN-Padang Terap). Liew, however, acknowledged that the infrastructure at the ICQS Durian Burung Complex was still inadequate to support large-scale trade operations, especially those involving the use of containers. He said the government, through NCIA, was implementing several strategic initiatives, including conducting a feasibility study for a Border Economic Zone to identify potential economic opportunities that could be developed in the border area, including the KRC and surrounding regions near Durian Burung. Other initiatives include regional cooperation under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) and the Joint Development Strategy (JDS). "These collaborations focus on development in industries such as halal, logistics, rubber, and tourism. The JDS specifically aims to enhance connectivity and international trade policies, strengthening synergy between both countries. "In addition, the Malaysian government remains committed to enhancing strategic cooperation with Thailand through existing platforms such as the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Trade Committee," he said. He added that both parties had agreed to improve trade facilitation, including upgrading infrastructure, logistics systems, and procedures at border checkpoints. These steps, he said, were expected to accelerate Customs clearance processes while reducing time and costs for cross-border goods movement. "Although there have been suggestions to use Songkhla Port in Thailand as an alternative export route, the government is currently focused on maximising the use of domestic ports, especially in Penang and Kuala Perlis. "This initiative aligns with the government's broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of local ports, while ensuring the economic benefits are fully realised by industry players and local communities," he said. Liew added that the ministry was also open to studying and proposing recommendations to the Finance Ministry to provide various incentives aimed at increasing the usage of local ports when asked on the ministry's short-term plans to encourage investors to use domestic ports for setting up factories or exporting products abroad.
New Straits Times
39 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar begins Jakarta visit for key talks with Prabowo
JAKARTA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is undertaking a two-day working visit to Jakarta today to attend the 13th Annual Consultation with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. This marks the first consultation between the two leaders since each assumed leadership of their respective countries. Key agenda items include continuing discussions on outstanding issues, as well as addressing regional matters requiring Malaysia's attention as Asean Chair this year. The Prime Minister is accompanied by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg; Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor; Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. Malaysia's Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin, said the Annual Consultation is the highest bilateral mechanism between Malaysia and Indonesia, aimed at strengthening strategic and comprehensive cooperation. He made the remarks during a media briefing here yesterday. Syed Mohamad Hasrin said the meeting has been held alternately between the two countries since 2006 and reflects a strong political commitment to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors including trade, food security, and education. "Both leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern," he said. A joint statement will be issued at the end of the consultation session. The last Annual Consultation was held in 2017, making this a timely opportunity for both leaders to reinforce strategic ties and explore new areas of cooperation in the face of current regional and global challenges. Syed Mohamad Hasrin added that the two leaders will also witness the exchange of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) involving land boundary matters, health cooperation, and information and communications technology. During the visit, the prime minister is scheduled to visit the Asean Secretariat in Jakarta at the invitation of Asean secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn. Anwar is also set to deliver a keynote address on Asean in the context of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship in 2025, highlighting the country's continued commitment to regional integration and the building of the Asean Community. In 2024, Indonesia was Malaysia's sixth-largest trading partner globally and second-largest among Asean member states. Bilateral trade increased by 4.5 per cent from RM111.21 billion in 2023 to RM116.29 billion in 2024.
