‘Kelantan can soar even higher’
Barisan in push to win over voters to realise state’s full potential
KOTA BARU: Kelantan Barisan Nasional is banking on the potential split votes from multi-cornered contests between PAS and Pakatan Harapan to win the state in GE14.
After trying in vain over the last six general elections to regain control of the state it lost 28 years ago, Kelantan Barisan chief Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed is leading the coalition’s push to impress upon the state’s voters of Barisan’s capability in striking a balance in fulfilling both worldly and spiritual needs.
He said Kelantan could be transformed into an oasis where worldly and spiritual needs are perfectly balanced to celebrate the glory of Islam.
“We aim to create ‘Kelantan Daulah Mardhatillah’ – a state that is blessed by Allah,” he said.
PAS retained its hold on Kelantan for the sixth consecutive term in GE13, winning 32 state seats, while Barisan secured 12 seats and PKR one.
Barisan aims to win 32 state seats, including the Kota Lama state seat where its sole MCA candidate Chua Hock Kuan is contesting in a five-cornered fight.
If Barisan succeeds in wresting control of the state, it pledges to deliver eight promises within 100 days, and another 60 offers outlined under seven core pillars.
The offers include providing discounts to reduce outstanding property assessment charges, reviewing parking fees, tackling drug addiction, addressing high land premium and levy issues.
The seven core pillars comprise initiatives to uphold the Islamic agenda, promoting economic development, public welfare, empowering youths, improving infrastructure, environmental sustainability and protecting minority communities.
A Universiti al-Quran will be built if Barisan wins the state while a new stadium and a sports complex will be built in Machang.
Barisan will waive quit rent imposed on agricultural land measuring less than 0.8ha and review the Ladang Rakyat schemes.
It promised to build 20,000 PPR homes, houses for second-generation Kesedar and Felda settlers, and a women and children’s hospital.
On logging, Barisan has promised to impose a temporary stop-work order to prevent indiscriminate log- ging activities and review logging permits.
Mustapa said Barisan would also provide annual grants to vernacular schools and quotas for minority communities to stay in PPR homes.
“Barisan has a good track record in delivering its promises,” he added.
He said PAS had yet to fulfil its promises to build Bukit Merbau Stadium, Dabong New City, Palekbang Bridge and the Lembah Sireh development project.
“If we succeed in forming the state government, we will adopt a more inclusive approach.
“A consultative council will be formed to bring together Kelantanese professionals, intellectuals and scholars to formulate a comprehensive plan to take the state to greater heights. Our biggest asset is our people,” said Mustapa.
Kelantan has 1,049,527 voters.