Kelantan Pakatan Harapan, which has almost no representation in the state, has formed a task force to act as "mediators" with Putrajaya.

The task force consists of 10 ministerial portfolios. It will be chaired by Amanah vice-president Husam Musa, the party's Kelantan chief Wan Rahim Wan Abdullah said.

“Kelantan Harapan is not so focused on party issues, as we are looking into addressing problems faced by the people, especially the cost of living,” Wan Rahim (photo, above) was quoted as saying by The Malaysian Insight.

“These 10 portfolios will be placed under Kelantan Harapan. We will act as mediators to quicken the communication and execution between ministries and agencies to help the public,” he added.

Harapan did not win any state or parliamentary seat in Kelantan in last year's general election.

However, it now has one seat at both levels, after Jeli MP and Air Lanas assemblyperson Mustapa Mohamed defected from Umno and joined Bersatu.

The Harapan federal government has a working relationship with the PAS state government through the Kelantan State Action Council (MTNg), which is chaired by Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali.

A political pundit has questioned Putrajaya's decision in appointing Azmin as MTNg chairperson, as the council was first mooted by Husam.

Last Saturday, Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob thanked the federal government for approving five key projects in the state totalling RM1.4 billion.