Mahathir Denies Kelantan Neglected Promises Plans In The Pipeline

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BUDGET 2019 | Following the announcement of Budget 2019, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has denied that the Pakatan Harapan government has neglected the welfare of Kelantan
Instead, the premier has assured that the federal government is now looking to implement programmes to channel funds and help boost the economic growth of the PAS-led state
Mahathir was responding to claims by Kelantan MPs that the inaugural Harapan government budget had neglected the welfare of the opposition-led states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang
"We have programmes (for Kelantan)... and we will pay money to the state," he said briefly when met by reporters after officiating at the 'Active Lifestyle Campaign' at Setia City Park in Setia Alam, Selangor, today
When pressed, he, however, did not elaborate on the programme before being ushered out of the venue
It is also unclear if the intended programme would cover Terengganu and Pahang as well
Yesterday, PAS MPs, including PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, had expressed disappointment with the budget, claiming that it had ignoredthe east coast states. Tuan Ibrahim (photo) said the budget was unfair and did not reflect Mahathir's talk of a balanced regional development
The Kubang Kerian MP added that the budget does not seem to have generated new sources of income to boost the states' economic growth
In September, Mahathir has stated that Kelantan was poor and dependent on federal help despite its people being skilled entrepreneurs
He said this situation prevented many of its entrepreneurs from thriving and developing the state
Following this, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng told the Dewan Rakyat that the Kelantan government could not afford to pay the salaries of its civil servants
Lim had then revealed a letter from the Kelantan government asking for financial assistance totalling RM24.5 million, citing concerns that the state government would not be able to pay the salaries and emoluments of its civil servants. - Mkini

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