PM: VOTE FOR CONTINUITY
Put aside sentiment for a past leader, says Najib
VOTERS in Langkawi must decide between retaining Barisan Nasional to ensure continuity of development for the island or go all sentimental for an individual.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in reiterating his commitment to developing the island, said voters in Langkawi needed to make a wise decision to avoid derailing whatever development planned.
He said an individual could not bring any development to Langkawi, adding that the island had been transformed over the years due to the government’s support.
“Trust me, no individual is capable of bringing development without the backing of a government formed by a strong party.
“The development brought to this island all these years was only possible because the previous leader was with the government.
“It was not based on his individual capacity,” Najib said at a gathering with the people at the Mahsuri Internation Exhibition Centre here yesterday.
Present were Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, former Langkawi member of parliament Datuk Nawawi Ahmad, former Ayer Hangat assemblyman Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid and former Kuah assemblyman Nor Saidi Nayan.
Najib said since becoming prime minister, he had never neglected Langkawi and had resolved many longstanding issues on the island that were not addressed by the previous leader.
“I have been to Pulau Tuba twice, where I listened to the plight of the small community there on the lack of electricity supply. I solved this by approving a project to build a submerged electrical cable to the island.
“Residents had also highlighted how the price of RON95 sold on the island was higher than the other places, and I instructed Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin to take action. Now, people on Pulau Tuba can buy fuel at the same price as in other places.”
Najib said after he announced an allocation for the Langkawi International Airport upgrading works, there was a request to include an aerobridge, and he approved that, too.
He assured the people that the island would continue to enjoy development under the BN government, through initiatives such as the Langkawi Tourism Blueprint 2.0 and the RM1.3 billion allocation for infrastructure projects announced earlier.
“I have made it clear that I will always pay special attention to Langkawi and that is why we have the Langkawi Tourism Blueprint 2.0, to realise the island’s potential to become a world-class tourism destination.
“I have also proven my commitment by approving a mammoth RM1.3 billion allocation for five infrastructure projects for the island, such as water catchment projects and upgrading the Langkawi Hospital.
“I launched two affordable housing projects costing RM268 million for the Ayer Hangat and Kuah constituencies. For sure, these projects will be rolled out in the next few years, but I assure the people in Langkawi that I will honour my word to ensure these projects are delivered.”
During his visit to Langkawi in February, Najib announced a RM1.3 billion allocation for five infrastructure projects on the island.
From the total, RM600 million was to address clean water supply for the island, which included the construction of an off-river water catchment facility in Padang Mat Sirat, and RM500 million for Langkawi Hospital upgrading works, the construction of fire stations and quarters, as well as upgrading the main road along the Pulapol airport roundabout, which will cost RM50 million.