Three leaders list achievements, messages for fence-sitters

Ahead of the six state elections, Malaysiakini has reached out to the heads of governments for Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu, and Kelantan to ask them five questions.

The questions are on what they claim to be their achievements, their unfinished business, changes they would make if re-elected, equal funding for assemblypersons, and their message to undecided voters.

At the time of publication, the menteris besar of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Kelantan have yet to respond to the questions.

Malaysiakini has endeavoured to independently fact-check the replies using publicly available information. Editor's notes have been appended if the claims cannot be verified.

What are five achievements by your state government in the past five years?

Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (Kedah)

1. Solving Kedah’s water problems: Upgrades to a water treatment plan that was delayed for two years during the Pakatan Harapan administration is now moving smoothly and on schedule.

   (Editor's note: Dr Xavier Jeyakumar, the minister in charge of water in 2018 to 2020, reportedly said Harapan is not to blame.

   However, he noted the federal government approved a RM1.7 billion loan for Kedah water projects in 2019 and pushed for action, but there was little progress at the time. Harapan's Mukhriz Mahathir was then MB.)

2. Increasing Malay reserves: From 1933 to Jan 19, 2023, the size of Malay reserve lands that were degazetted was 4,751.4ha, and was replaced with another 5,160ha. This means there is 721,905.6ha of Malay reserve land in Kedah as of January.

   (Editor's note: Publicly available data on Malay reserve land is only up to December 2022, as revealed in Parliament. Up to last year, Kedah's Malay reserve land stock stood at 716,537.28ha.

   Malaysiakini has contacted the Kedah Land and Mines Office and the Land and Mines Department for the January 2023 data.)

3. Highest investment record: From when we took over the state government in May 2020 to the first quarter of this year, total investments have reached RM91.4 billion, the highest in the country.

   (Editor's note: According to the Malaysian Investment Development Agency (Mida), the total investment for Kedah from 2020 to 2022 was RM82.3 billion.

   Mida told Malaysiakini the total investment for Kedah for Q1 2023 was RM1.14 billion. This brings total investments for 2020 to Q1 2023 to RM83.44 billion. This is short of the RM91 billion claimed by Sanusi, but Mida has yet to announce data for Q2 2023.

   As for Kedah having the highest investment among all states, based on Mida's figures for 2020-2022 alone, Penang is ahead of Kedah by about RM20 billion.)

4. The issue of 7,233 land grants and temporary occupation licence (TOL) was resolved: The four-decade wait by Kedahans has ended. We have fulfilled requests for land ownership to Kedahans as per their rights under the law and Constitution. This is what I’m personally most happy about. Now the people, especially settlers, get to work their land in peace for future generations.

   (Editor's note: Malaysiakini cannot independently verify this figure at press time.)

5. Aid allocation for Kedahans: The state government has increased the rate for funeral aid, developed tertiary education welfare aid, introduced a rice assistance programme, and Anakku Sejahtera programme, which is given to Kedahans regardless of background.

Chow Kon Yeow (Penang)

1. Addressing the Covid-19 pandemic: Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, our state government effectively managed the crisis.

2. Socio-economic recovery: To ensure a smooth recovery from the pandemic, we established the Penang Socio-Economic Recovery Consultative Council. This is to address challenges across various sectors, including tourism, the economy, infrastructure, digitisation, and employment.

3. Affordable housing: Our government has successfully constructed 148,351 affordable housing units, which represents 64 percent of our target of 220,000 units by 2030.

   (Editor's note: At press time, Malaysiakini is unable to independently verify these figures.

   However, in February, the Penang government said it had built 142,647 units, or 57.06 percent of its 2023 target.)

4. Infrastructure and connectivity: Our government has invested in infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity and alleviating traffic congestion. Projects such as the Bukit Kukus Expressway, Jalan Pintasan Air Itam-Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, and the upcoming LRT project are crucial steps towards enhancing transportation within the state.

   Additionally, we have prioritised public transport initiatives, including the Pas Mutiara My50 programme, the Congestion Alleviation Transport (CAT) free bus service, Best Komtar, and ferry fare subsidies and improvements.

5. Economic development and investment: We have attracted RM121 billion in manufacturing investments between January 2019 and December 2022. This achievement aligns with our target of creating 150,000 job opportunities by 2030, with a focus on industries like electrical and electronics, machinery and equipment, scientific and medical equipment, as well as technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and Stem programmes.

Ahmad Samsuri Mohktar (Terengganu)

1. Twenty out of 20 of the GE14 manifesto have been implemented and are being carried out by the Terengganu state government, meaning that 100 percent of Terengganu PAS’ manifesto promises are fulfilled.

   (Editor's note: At press time, Malaysiakini is unable to independently verify if five of the 20 promises were fulfilled as stated.

   They include the promise that every adult aged 21 and above will have a housing lot or a house, that each parliamentary and state constituency will have a Sekolah Rendah Agama, opening applications for land grants, nurseries in every state government department and sustainable development in every district.)

2. Restructuring government-linked companies (GLCs) and increasing the income of GLCs. For example, Terengganu Inc’s income increased from RM970 million in 2018, to RM1.57 billion in 2022.

3. The state government’s financial management with transparency and integrity was proven when Terengganu was awarded “unqualified” certificates by the auditor-general for four years in a row.

4. Fostering harmony and introducing and inculcating a culture of mature and peaceful politics in the community.

5. Initiating the recovery and upgrading process for abandoned and sick projects valued at more than RM1 billion which were left behind by the previous administration.

What is your state government still working on that needs more time to be achieved?

Sanusi (Kedah)

There are still eight high-impact projects that are being worked on, namely:

1. Kedah Aerotropolis

2. North Corridor Highway

3. Kedah Science and Technology Park

4. Kedah Rubber City

5. Special Border Economic Zone

6. Five water treatment plants

7. Expansion of Kulim HiTech Park Phase 4A (99ha) and Phase 5 (182ha)

8. Planting paddy five times in two years

Chow (Penang)

The Penang state government is focusing on the ongoing implementation of the Penang2030 Vision. While significant progress has been made during the first term, there is still work to be done to ensure the state is in a better and stronger position to achieve its full objectives.

During the initial five years, the government has established administrative structures and laid out a roadmap to guide the state toward its target goals. However, it is crucial to continue consolidating these structures and providing further support to the roadmap in the next five years.

This also means there must be continuity, in the sense that the next leader should be able to give the state the necessary impetus to fulfil the remaining tasks and bring the vision to its fruition.

By ensuring a smooth transition and building upon the foundation laid, the state government can work towards creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for Penang as envisioned in Penang2030.

Samsuri (Terengganu)

Physical development in the state that is more well-planned. In this term, we gave a lot of focus on completing projects by the previous administration, including recovering and treating abandoned projects.

In the next term, before the completion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), development planning which was initiated by the ECRL construction needs to be laid out so that it can be utilised to the maximum extent by the state government.

Management of economic sources is also an area of focus for the state government to reduce the state’s revenue dependence on oil and gas. To date, according to the Auditor-General’s Report, in 2018-2021 the average rate of dependence (on oil and gas) reduced to 68.7 percent compared to 72.7 percent in 2014-2017.

What would you do differently if your coalition is re-elected?

Sanusi (Kedah)

Still following the original plan.

Chow (Penang)

If entrusted with the mandate to govern Penang for the next five years, we would focus on building upon our achievements and address any shortcomings based on the feedback received from the public. 

This entails the continuation of our efforts and priorities in the following key areas:

1. Economic generation and job creation: We would focus on fostering growth and job opportunities in the electrical and electronic manufacturing sector, integrated circuit design, medical technology, digital district, and the new economy.

2. Penang Strategy for Economic Ecosystem Development (Penang Seed): By adhering to this framework, we expect to maintain a consistent growth trajectory of 3.5 percent annually from 2023 to 2028.

   In fact, related guidelines anticipate annual growth of 5.8 percent by attracting more than RM10 billion in approved manufacturing investment, while the job market is expected to grow by 1.4 percent during the same period.

3. Implementation of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP): We would prioritise the execution of the PTMP, with particular emphasis on the Bayan Lepas LRT project and the realisation of the “Silicon Island” project, Penang South Island (PSI).

4. Traffic flow Improvement and public transport mobility solutions: These initiatives aim to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance the flow of vehicles, and provide efficient public transport solutions for the convenience of our citizens.

   We would also actively seek the federal government’s support and allocation for the construction of an elevated highway or Juru-Sungai Dua Expressway.

5. Climate change mitigation: Addressing climate change is a priority and we would focus on implementing flood mitigation projects, developing low-carbon cities, and promoting the adoption of electric vehicle (EV) facilities.

6. Water Contingency Plan 2030: We would work diligently to implement the plan to ensure that Penang does not face recurring water crises. This plan will involve comprehensive strategies to manage water resources effectively, secure alternative water sources, and promote water conservation measures.

7. Community empowerment and development: Through various initiatives, programmes, and support systems, we aim to uplift youth, women, and the elderly, enhance their wellbeing, and foster a thriving and inclusive society. 

Samsuri (Terengganu)

Nothing different besides stepping up efforts to solve issues on development and welfare for the people.

Will you give or continue to give equal funding to the opposition?

Sanusi (Kedah)

Yes.

(Editor's note: Kedah allocates RM150,000 a year for each constituency.

Government-elected representatives get the entire sum, while opposition representatives receive RM100,000.

The remaining RM50,000 is disbursed through government-appointed "constituency coordinators (penyelaras DUN)".

Besides this, the government also provides government representatives RM8,000 per month to run their operations, while opposition representatives get RM2,000 a month.)

Chow (Penang)

Ensuring fairness and giving all voices a platform to be heard is of utmost importance in our democratic society. The allocation of funding to political parties is a critical aspect of supporting their endeavours. 

While transparency and fairness are key, we will carefully consider the decision to provide equal funding to the opposition.

(Editor's note: In 2021, the Penang government cancelled grants of RM60,000 each for opposition-elected representatives.

The allocations were instead channelled through "foster representatives (Adun angkat)", appointed among Harapan elected representatives.)

Samsuri (Terengganu)

In Terengganu, we have given allocations to the opposition since 2019.

God willing, as representatives elected by the people, they should get allocations from the state government just as how the state government receives allocations from the federal government even though we are of different parties.

(Editor's note: In Terengganu, each constituency is allocated RM750,000.

Government representatives receive the entire grant, while opposition representatives receive RM250,000.

The remaining RM500,000 is disbursed to opposition constituencies via a government-appointed "penyelaras DUN".)

If you could say one thing to fence-sitters, what would it be?

Sanusi (Kedah)

Go out and fulfil your responsibilities as voters and vote for the party that is clean and stable to form a better future for the country.

Chow (Penang)

You hold the power to shape the future of Penang. Your vote has the power to influence the trajectory of our state and determine the kind of future we want for ourselves and generations to come.

I implore you to exercise your fundamental right to vote and make a choice that aligns with your values and aspirations. Consider the track records and visions of the candidates and parties vying for your support. Look closely at their accomplishments, promises fulfilled, and dedication to the betterment of Penang.

Rest assured that our state government remains unwavering in our commitment to the advancement of Penang and the well-being of its people. We have consistently demonstrated our ability to deliver on our promises and achieve significant milestones. 

Our focus has been on forging a sustainable and prosperous future, ensuring that each resident can thrive and prosper.

Samsuri (Terengganu)

In this critical phase, voters must be wary of the social media propaganda game and also always refer to true sources. 

Not forgetting that before making choices and decisions, evaluate based on policies, approaches, track records, and efforts given, and not emotions or simply following others.

Chow’s response was edited for brevity. His full unedited response to the five questions can be read here.

Reporting by Raveena Nagotra, Shakira Buang, and Wang Ping

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