I’ll ‘more or less’ stay on as Negri’s MB, says Mohamad

SEREMBAN: Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan says he is “more or less” Barisan Nasional’s choice for Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar as he seeks to defend his Rantau state seat in the general election.

“It is confirmed that I will be contesting in the Rantau state constituency,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of Wisma Negri Sembilan Chinese Assembly Hall yesterday, where he announced a RM250,000 allocation to the organisation.

The ceremony was attended by Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong) president Tan Sri Pheng Yin Huah, Negri Chinese Assembly Hall chairman Tan Eng Beng, leaders and representatives of Chinese organisations from around the country.

Asked by reporters after the ceremony if he will be Barisan’s Mentri Besar candidate when the next state government is formed, Mohamad said: “If I am contesting in Rantau, more or less. Please wait for PM’s announcement.”

In 2013, Mohamad defeated PKR’s Aisah Lamsah with a majority of 4,613 votes in Rantau.

Earlier in his speech, the Mentri Besar said that with the development of Malaysia Vision Valley (MVV), the state government is targeting revenue of RM1bil in 10 years.

Covering 153,000ha of Seremban and Port Dickson, the MVV project is part of the Government’s vision for Greater Kuala Lumpur that will be undertaken in stages up to 2045.

MVV aims to attract RM290bil in investments and create 1.38 million jobs.

“Let’s say it can achieve RM1bil revenue in 10 years’ time,” he said.

“Our operating cost is currently low, at RM100mil, and expected to reach RM300mil then.

“We will still have RM700mil surplus for the rakyat.”

Mohamad said the state government is managed prudently with the lowest operating cost because he never takes delegates overseas.

“Even my counterpart in Penang has asked me how we control the operating cost,” he said, adding the state’s surplus would then be used as development funds to benefit people on the street.

“The state government is in good hands, with more than RM600mil in reserves.”

On a separate matter, Mohamad apologised again for the viral video which some of his critics claimed promoted gangsterism and violence.

He was captured on video at an event in Rembau on March 18 urging Umno Youth members to aggressively counter lies spread by the Opposition.

“I was joking that day. I did not intend to ask people to punch other people. I said overturn the tables, meaning they must argue with those who spread lies,” he said.

He said if his figure of speech had been misinterpreted by some, “I offer my sincere apologies.”