Selangor Journal

Proposal to turn Penang into Federal Territory is a form of colonisation

BY: DR AFIF BAHARDIN
KEADILAN Youth strongly reject Federal Territory Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s proposal to turn Penang into a Federal Territory.
The suggestion to turn Penang into a Federal Territory is a desperate attempt by UMNO and Barisan Nasional to seize the citizens’ right to determine their own future. This attempt is a new form of colonisation on Penang.
Since Pakatan assumed power in Penang, the state has become among the best and successful in terms of administration and financial management. Penang has the lowest debt with the Federal Government compared to other states.
Its economic development is growing rapidly, gaining investors’ confidence. Its citizens’ welfare and harmony are the priority of our Pakatan Harapan’s administration.
KEADILAN Youth also deny allegations that Penang citizens are being side-lined. Various programmes have been implemented for their welfare with RM400 million under the EMAS programme.
Besides that, several other assistance have been extended to those less fortunate, through the Titian Saksama Rakyat Project and Young Farmer Entrepreneurial Fund; special projects to build and repair houses for the rural population and donating equipment to facilitate the poor to increase their income.
The Equitable Economic Agenda that we implement has successfully saved many families from the pauper status. These are proofs of our commitment and determination to protect the Penang citizens.
We believe the reason for this idea is to cover-up Putrajaya Barisan Nasional’s failure to manage the country’s economy consequently laden with the burden of high debt now.
Therefore, by making Penang a Federal Territory, all the state’s income (tax, land proceeds and etc) will contribute to the Federal Government’s income for them to repay their debt caused by the 1MDB scandal and leakages in the UMNO-Barisan Nasional’s regime.
If Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan believes that the Federal Government has a lot of money to spend, then the KEADILAN Youth would like to suggest that the issues of road, electricity and water supply in several states such as Sabah and Sarawak to be resolved immediately.
The fund can also be used to build better school facilities for children in the rural areas and to help reduce the burden of students in the universities.
*Dr Afif Bahardin is the Malaysian Keadilan Youth Deputy Leader

Top Picks

Labohan Water Treatment Service Plant Handover

Editor Selangor Journal

Azmin – I Deny This Vicious Libel Upon Me

Environmental Concerns Inspire Lecturer to Innovate Bamboo Straw