Show proof Langkawi islands sold to the Chinese, Dr M told

ALOR SETAR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad must show proof to back his claims that the Kedah state government had sold three islands near Langkawi to the Chinese, said Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.

“Not a single one of Langkawi’s 99 islands was sold to the Chinese. So, he must show us where the islands he claimed to have been sold are?

“Don’t make accusations against Barisan Nasional just because you want to win the election,” he told reporters after the Jelajah Muafakat Rakyat in Kuala Kedah.

Dr Mahathir made the allegation during a ceramah series in Yan here last Friday.

Ahmad Bashah added that areas in Kedah that needed developing were sometimes leased long term to investors.

“Investors get a lease of 66 years, and if they want a longer one for bigger development projects, another 33 years are added.

“This is a normal procedure even when Dr Mahathir was the prime minister. I have never changed the policy and there has never been any sale of the islands,” he said.

Ahmad Bashah said Dr Mahathir’s statement was a betrayal of his struggle for 22 years as a Barisan prime minister.

“By doing this at this advanced age, he has betrayed the trust of the people backing him then, all because he wants to bring down Umno and Barisan.

“As someone who was under his tutelage, even I am not sure what’s on his mind right now. I cannot understand how he is so determined to exact revenge on Umno, the party he once used to praise,” he said.