DPM: BN WIN WILL BOOST TERENGGANU
‘State’s success stories due to continuity in leadership’
TERENGGANU success stories will be more than what it has achieved if voters return the Barisan Nasional government with a stronger mandate, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday.
“Terengganu has achieved many successes because of the continuity of the BN leadership in the state. This is something obvious. These achievements became a reality because there was planning and execution. BN realised this because there was continuity in the mandate given by voters.”
Zahid was addressing a big crowd at the opening of Ekspo Terengganu in Gong Badak here.
The Umno acting deputy president said a stronger mandate was needed to reflect the blessings of the people.
“We must be focused on what we do. We can do much better with the people’s blessings.
“This means that whatever we do, the people will be the focus and we will ensure they will get direct and indirect benefits,” he said.
He said he was happy that each time he visited Terengganu, there were many developments.
“But we must not let the menteri besar work alone. Everyone must work as a team.
“You must not allow small matters to divert your attention. Bigger achievements await if you are united.”
He said cooperation between the civil service, private sector, government-linked companies and individuals would lead to greater achievements.
“I promised Terengganu would get more funds from the Federal Government should BN get a stronger mandate in the next general election.
“Voters must not take the wrong decision. We must continue to emphasise what we have achieved and what more we can do with continuity.”
When asked about speculation on electoral candidates, Zahid said it was normal when the general election was near.
“They can dream, but we have our own methodology in choosing candidates. We have done indepth research on each and every potential candidate.
“We know who is liked by the people and who can deliver victories, and who can work in the interest of voters.
“These are among the criteria, but, of course, the final list will be announced by the prime minister after discussions with the menteri besar”.
He announced that Muhammad Kareef Daniel Abdullah, whom most people know as Mat Dan, had become a permanent resident (PR) of Malaysia.
The Englishman, who captured the hearts of Malaysians with his mastery of Bahasa Melayu, in particular the Terengganu dialect, did not know of his PR status until Zahid announced it.
Zahid pulled off the surprise as he was commenting on the progress and development which Terengganu had enjoyed, including the success of marketing “nasi dagang” and “keropok lekor” abroad.
“We have a well-known icon in Terengganu, Mat Dan, and I have approved his application to become a permanent resident of Malaysia.”
His announcement was met with a roar of approval from the 40,000-strong crowd. Mat Dan, who appeared stunned, joined Zahid on stage before shaking his hand.
Mat Dan, who is now Muslim, is married to a Terengganu native.
Zahid said Mat Dan had fulfilled the criteria and conditions of becoming a PR.
“We evaluated his security status as well as his contributions to promoting Terengganu’s products, on top of having fulfilled other criteria.”
Mat Dan, whose English name is Daniel Tyler, 29, said he was surprised and grateful.
“Alhamdulillah (Thank god), I’m thankful for this surprise announcement.
“It was always my dream to obtain PR status ever since I came to Terengganu in 2009.
“I have fallen in love with this country and the ‘turtle state’,” he said.