PEKAN: Pahang Barisan Nasional took into account three factors when it decided to collaborate with Pakatan Harapan to form the state government, says Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
The Mentri Besar said that cooperation between blocs was a new approach and added that Barisan had to be open to cooperating with any bloc for the good of the people.
"Secondly, Pahang Barisan found that any choice of cooperation must be made taking into account the ability of the coalition to bring stability to the state government and the well-being of the people,” added Wan Rosdy.
"At the same time, the combination should reflect the plurality and diversity that is the strength of the state of Pahang," he said after being sworn in as the Pahang Mentri Besar here on Monday (Nov 28).
Wan Rosdy added that Pahang Barisan believed that the formation of the new state government should also be parallel to the unity government formed at the federal level.
"This is to ensure that the administration and all plans made for the development of Pahang can continue and run smoothly," he said.
Wan Rosdy said that based on these considerations and the scenario, Barisan finally reached an agreement with Pakatan to jointly form the state government.
He said a state executive council consisting of the Barisan and Pakatan blocs would be formed soon.
"I would like to stress that this state government is a government that represents and serves all. I will ensure that all political sentiments and ideological differences are set aside.
"The priority of all at this moment is the stability and prosperity of Pahang," he said, adding that the state government would make sure the 2023 state budget was implemented excellently.
Wan Rosdy said the main focus of the state government now was to drive the state's economic growth in a better and positive direction.
He also hoped that the Perikatan bloc would be a firm and objective opposition, capable of carrying out the appropriate check and balances.
When asked about the negotiations with Pakatan, Wan Rosdy said it was amicable and aimed towards finding a win-win solution and there was no pressure and demands put on Barisan.
On the Tioman election, he said it would be good if Pakatan gave way to the Barisan candidate but the matter was still being discussed.
Wan Rosdy felt it would be an easier path for Barisan in defending the Tioman seat now that Pakatan was part of the government.
