Selangor MB: We're top contributor to nation's GDP

Despite being restricted from entering Selangor schools and participating in state events controlled by the federal government, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he ignored the negative moves and seized the opportunity to turnaround the state’s economy.

“I do not want to delve into the negative aspects. So, I focused on the economic growth of the state and contributed almost a quarter of the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Khalid ( below ) said last night at a dialogue session with the Foreign Correspondents Club of Malaysia.

In announcing GDP figures released by the Statistics Department and the Auditor-General, he said since the Pakatan Rakyat took over the state in March 2008, it chalked up 23 percent growth in 2010 through over 1,000 projects, generating over 50,000 jobs in the state.

“We have also created a record in the history of past 28 years in increasing the state’s cash reserves to RM1.2 billion, of which RM947 million is in  cash and the rest in trust reserve.

“The high cash reserves is important to give confidence to local and foreign investors, and as well as to banks,” said the former CEO of some government-linked companies.

Khalid said that if every state and the federal government could cut wastage, they could also experience a positive economic growth.

In 2010, two years after managing Selangor, the state maintained its position as the main GDP contributor for the manufacturing and construction services sector.

The sound financial management of the state, he said, had allowed them to run various development and welfare programmes for the benefit of the people.

“Selangor is also the main contributor to the nation’s economy. Relentless efforts since 2008 has helped Selangor bring in more than 20 percent of total investments in the country,” he said.

In 2010, Pakatan states (Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan and Penang) contributed 53 percent of the total investments, both foreign and local, in Malaysia.

On reaching out to the population, Khalid said the main objective of the state’s administration is to ensure sustained progress and well being of the people of Selangor.

A step in the wrong direction

“We are working with Hussein Onn Eye Hospital to provide free eye screening for senior citizens involved in the Jom Shopping programme where it allows them to shop for about RM100 at supermarkets,” he added.

Unfortunately, he said, the privatisation of the state’s water resources was a step in the wrong direction and had not benefitted the people.

“We are shocked at the authorities planning to increase the water tariff in the state. Syabas is burdening the people while we are able to provide free water to Malaysians.”

In 2008, before the general election, Khalid said Pakatan was not sure of winning Selangor.

“Now, we are focused on moving into Putrajaya and this will depend on the floating, swing or undecided voters. Sabah and Sarawak will also play a key role in Pakatan Rakyat gaining a foothold in Putrajaya.”