Be Ethical, BN Tells Kedah State Govt

KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional (BN) Kedah leaders believe the Pas-led state government should be more ethical in its administration and it should separate politics from economic decisions.

Speaking to The Mole Langkawi MP Datuk Paduka Abu Bakar Taib said the state government should not let political interest interfere with State Development Corporation (PKNK)’s ownership of 500,000 unit of shares purchased from Felda Global Ventures Holding (FGVH).

Abu Bakar said: “I believe it is a good investment. When PKNK sees it as a good opportunity to expand Kedah’s economic growth, the state government should not ask them to sell the shares off.”

“Even when we have differences in politics, a responsible government should make the best decision for its people. The state government should be more ethical and see whether this share acquisition will bring benefit to the people or not,” he added.

Abu Bakar was commenting on a news report on Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak’ order to PKNK to sell the FGVH shares it purchased worth about RM 2.3 million.

In a news report on Monday, Azizan was condemned by a Pas Kedah leader for not respecting the party’s stance against FGVH and its listing in the stocks exchange.

A pro-opposition blog Ameno World in its post had accused Pas Kedah of lying when Azizan allegedly rejected Permodalan Kedah Berhad’s proposal in purchasing FGVH but not by PKNK when he is the chairman for both organisations.

“Why is it different when it comes to PKNK?” the post questioned.

Abu Bakar however said: “Any states should not object the listing of FGVH. This investment allows us to expand our economic growth locally and abroad. Besides, plantation sector is not only limited to Malaysia but it has on-going growth in other countries such as Norway.”

Another BN leader Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid said Azizan’s decision was not something unexpected.

“I am not surprised at all. But I do believe if the press do not know about the share acquisition, the state government will keep quiet about it,” Mohd Rawi who is the state assemblyman for Ayer Hangat said.

“If they just keep the share, indirectly it means they are agreeing to the FGVH listing. Agreeing to the Federal Government’s efforts will only break Pas’ ego,” he added.

Mohd Rawi also agreed with Abu Bakar’s opinions that the state government should make the best decision in the interest of the people.

“This is because even PKNK itself saw FGVH as a good business opportunity,” he said.

By: Azreen Hani, Graphic by: Dayang Norazhar/ The Mole

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