Back Federal Govt for development, DPM tells Kelantan folk

PETALING JAYA: Kelantan would be more developed if the voters voted for parties affiliated with the Federal Government, rather than backing PAS, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Rural and Regional Development Minister said this after taking part in the Naratif Khas programme on RTM1 yesterday.

He also stated that Kelantan has only managed to contribute 1.8% to the GDP of the country and has always been economically backward.

“Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim tries to help every state, and states such as Kelantan have their share of water, flood and development woes.

“If the voters change their stand (and support the unity government parties), they will benefit more. If there are no allocations from the Federal Government, there is nothing for the people in Kelantan.

“For the 33 years that PAS has governed, Kelantan depends only on remittances, making it very economically backward.

“This shows that Kelantan should be assisted, and we can provide more in terms of employment opportunities, upskilling, and development for the people,” said Ahmad Zahid.

During the Naratif Khas programme, Ahmad Zahid stated that the development being offered will not just be merely physical, but also comprehensive, including the spiritual aspects.

The segment also saw Ahmad Zahid listing out how he would ensured that his ministry focuses on the spiritual aspects when bringing development to rural areas.

“The issue of hardcore poverty should be addressed. We should come out of the cycle and find the solutions, to ensure that the solutions are effectively addressed.

“Our aim is that by next year, hardcore poverty is at a one-digit percentage. At least 70% of those who attended our income generating programmes have been able to increase their incomes,” said Ahmad Zahid.

On those who accuse his announcement of allocations for youths in Terengganu on July 28 as a form of “political bribery”, he said that announcement did not break any election law.

“It was prior to nomination day which was July 29. I am neither a candidate in the elections, nor am I part of any of the caretaker state governments.

“The one who raised the hoo-ha of me announcing the Rahmah initiative for Terengganu youths as vote buying is a former sports and youth minister who himself has made such announcements.

“There was also an information chief of a political party who stated that my announcement is political bribery, but when they do the same, it is considered charity.”