IPOH: It is not right for the Opposition to label Perak a failed state, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said the state's growth, while not the best compared to other states, was on the right track.
Saarani said Perak ranked sixth in terms of gross domestic product, recording RM86.2bil in 2024.
"To be first, we have to be the capital and have a lot of international investors.
"If we are considered a failure, what about those ranked seventh and below?" he said in his winding-up speech during the state assembly sitting on Tuesday (April 21).
Saarani also presented a slideshow of the top performers, with Selangor recording the highest GDP at RM265bil.
This was followed by Johor (RM158bil), Sarawak (RM148bil) and Penang (RM121bil).
"Do not say that we have failed.
"Let us all agree and have it recorded that Perak did not fail, but still has potential to grow," he said, adding that other factors in determining a state's prosperity included its economic structure and unemployment rate.
"If we have the potential to develop, this will give confidence to foreign investors to invest here," he added.
During the state assembly, several Opposition assemblymen expressed sadness and disappointment over the state's development, saying that Perak was one of the poorest states in Malaysia.
Saarani also said the average monthly household basic living expenses in Perak were the lowest in the country.
"A minimum of RM3,727 is sufficient to live comfortably," he said.
