MB expresses disappointment over councillor’s action

TAPAH: Perak Menteri Besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu yesterday expressed disappointment over the action of a state executive councillor who had voiced in the media an opinion on a land issue contrary to the government stand.

He said Dr Abdul Aziz Bari, the chairman of the State Education, Technology, Science and Environment Committee, should have stated his opinion when given the opportunity at the meeting of the state executive council.

The issue was about giving 999-year land titles to residents of new villages.

Ahmad Faizal had said that the state government would not issue 999-year land titles as this was contrary to the Federal Constitution and that the lease period for new villages was at least 60 years but not exceeding 99 years.

The menteri besar said he welcomed Aziz’s view but it should have been discussed behind closed doors.

“I feel there must be an improvement in the discipline of members of the state executive council. They should know when to express their views. Not everything can be said at will.

“However, I feel this is a new experience for many including me. Let us not show our differences in public, that’s not good,” he said to reporters after attending the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual in Masjid Al-Mukmin in Kampung Batu 3 yesterday. Ahmad Faizal is the assemblyman for Chenderiang.

The menteri besar said a workshop would be held to determine the ways to implement the Pakatan Harapan election promises in the state, including the issue of the land titles.

He said experts on the constitution as well as former senior government officers would also attend the workshop, and it would be the best way to resolve land issues. - Bernama