DR M: PH CAN WIN SARAWAK POLLS
This will let federal govt to better coordinate development efforts, says PM
HAVING toppled Barisan Nasional in the 14th General Election, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said a change in the Sarawak government is also possible.
Dr Mahathir, who is Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia chairman, said bagging Sarawak would enable the federal government to better coordinate development efforts for the state.
“God-willing, when Sarawak has its state election, we can change the government.
“This is our hope, this is what we will fight for and we will succeed,” he said when launching the state party chapter here on Saturday.
About 1,000 party members were present at the launch. It is learnt that about 30,000 people have applied to join the state chapter.
The Sarawak election is held separately from the general election. The next state election must be held by 2021.
Dr Mahathir said although Sarawak had come a long way, many people in the state were still left out.
He said the size of the state caused some elected representatives to neglect their constituents as they were unable to visit them often.
Dr Mahathir also took a swipe at the solar panel scandal allegedly involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
“We can see some schools are in terrible condition. There was also a proposal by the previous federal government to provide schools with water, but the money was swindled.”
It was reported that Rosmah has claimed trial to two counts of corruption under Section 16 (a)(A) of the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission Act 2009.
She was charged with soliciting RM187.5 million through her former aide, Datuk Rizal Mansor, and receiving a RM1.5 million bribe relating to the RM1.25 billion solar hybrid project for rural schools in Sarawak.
The project involved the installation of solar panels at 369 schools in Sarawak.
Dr Mahathir said Pakatan Harapan would ensure that action was taken against those responsible if it captured Sarawak.
“The state government has tabled an RM11 billion budget, which is an extraordinary amount.
“However, is it really going towards the improvement of the people’s livelihood here?” he asked.