THE recently unveiled “The Greater Kedah” action plan, announced by Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, has sparked public criticism due to ongoing administrative issues under the state’s PAS-led government.
Sungai Petani MP, Dr. Taufiq Johari, voiced concerns that the blueprint might be mere rhetoric, as key projects previously promised by Sanusi remain incomplete.
Residents in areas like Sungai Muda and Sungai Petani continue to face long-standing water supply disruptions without a clear long-term solution.
Dr. Taufiq also questioned the status of other unfulfilled projects, such as Kulim International Airport, the Sungai Petani race circuit, and a tourism development in Langkawi.
“This Greater Kedah—is it just rhetoric or reality?
“When we talk about today’s reality, many residents, particularly in Sungai Muda, my area Sungai Petani, Merbok, and surrounding districts, are still experiencing water issues.
“There doesn’t appear to be a long-term plan for the water issue. That’s the most basic need for the people of Kedah,” he is quoted as saying.
Dr. Taufiq urged Sanusi to update Kedah residents on the status of previously announced projects, including Kulim International Airport, the motorcycle race circuit, and a Langkawi tourism project by Widad Business Group.
“Before we talk about development and so on, if he (Sanusi) wants to build, for example, KXP, how does he plan to build an airport in a situation where there’s no water supply?
“Furthermore, as for the construction of the Sungai Petani race circuit, it seems he has let it go just like that because the place has been abandoned up until now.
“When he announced those projects, it seemed like they would materialise within a year or two. He announced them confidently. But when things didn’t happen, he easily blamed other parties and claimed he was merely an announcer,” he said, adding that the Pakatan Harapan does not doubt the project, but the ability of the current administration to deliver.
The Greater Kedah blueprint, announced by Muhammad Sanusi, is said to be a comprehensive roadmap aimed at achieving prosperity, promoting economic growth, and ensuring environmental sustainability for Kedah by 2050.
Inspired by Sultan Al-Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, the blueprint covers various initiatives designed to benefit present and future generations in the state.
“Efforts to restore Kedah’s glory involve empowerment in various aspects, especially in the economy, social, earth resource management, state fiscal matters, governance, legal, state syariah judiciary as well as strategic partnerships, geopolitic planning and other aspects relevant to the current situation and needs.
“The blueprint aims to turn Kedah into the number one state, and its people can enjoy a prosperous life in a liveable environment in every corner, valley, mountain, island and plain,” Sanusi said at the launch of the blueprint last week. – Nov 3, 2024
Main image: thedewan.com
