Perak folk getting tired of prolonged conflict

IPOH: Perak folk are sick of the political uncertainty in the state, and frustrated at the prolonged conflict.

“After more than 10 days of guessing game about the situation in the state, the Pakatan Harapan government has collapsed like it did at federal level.

“What irks the people the most is the manner in which we were shut out from what was happening,” said non-governmental organisation (NGO) Ipoh City Watch president Prof Dr Richard Ng.

The Pakatan Harapan government in Perak collapsed after Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia pulled out from the coalition, and joined forces with Umno and PAS to form the new state government.

“I believe a lot of state functions and activities were affected and were forced to be put on hold.

“We hope the new state government will be formed soon.

“We will accept and respect whatever decisions made by the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzudin Shah who has the experience and wisdom to choose the right people to helm the state.

“We need leaders who are caring and listen to the problems faced by the people.

“I hope the new state government would put the many issues affecting the people as their priority, such as social, economic and environmental matters,” said Ng.

“We at ICW also hope to work closely with the new Mentri Besar and urge him to allocate 30% of the local councillors’ post to genuine NGO leaders,” he added.

Environmental NGO Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (Kuasa) president Hafizuddin Nasaruddin said he hopes that the new state government would discontinue projects that are not sustainable.

“Projects like setting up mini-hydro at Orang Asli villages, large scale loggings and high-rise development projects need to be stopped immediately as it will harm the environment,” he said.

Hafizuddin also said he wished that the new state government would open up more platforms to work with NGOs.