ALOR STAR: The RM1.3 billion infrastructure development projects in Langkawi, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Saturday, is not 'dedak' (animal feed), Kedah Menteri Besar said today.
Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, in dismissing Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir's claims, said the allocation was part of the Federal government's effort to ensure that the island was not left behind in the country’s development programme.
"It is the Federal government's responsibility to protect the welfare of the Langkawi people," he said, adding that the announcement also showed that Najib was not neglecting any constituencies.
Bashah said the allocation truly reflected the wishes of the people in Langkawi and would help solved many lingering issues faced by them.
“The people must realise that the announcement was made under Najib’s capacity as the prime minister. Only the government can make such plans happen while the opposition can only make promises,” he said when met after the state MCA and Gerakan Chinese New Year celebration here today.
Bashah was commenting on Mukhriz's claims that the recent announcement by Najib was equivalent to 'dedak'.
The Kedah MB said the people was smart enough to evaluate on development projects carried out by the Federal government.
“The people are not so gullible that they can be cheated (by the opposition). They are smart because they can see for themselves the various development on the island.” he said.
Najib during his visit to Langkawi on Saturday had announced a mammoth RM1.3 billion allocation for five infrastructure projects for the island.
The allocation would cover water catchment projects, upgrading the Langkawi Hospita, building fire stations, quarters as well as roads.