Wednesday, February 10, 2010

November 18, 2009 14:02 PM

Kedah Government Criticised For Alleged Lack Of Planning

ALOR SETAR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- The Kedah government came under criticism today for what Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said was lack of planning and focus on development of the state and the people of various races.

He said planning and focus were important to ensure that the promises made to the people were fulfilled.

"So far, we do not see any planning. We have many races in the state. What are the plans for the progress of the Indian, Chinese and Siamese communities? We do not know.

"The same goes for the focus on industries. If the emphasis is on agriculture, what type of agriculture is the focus on? If it is industry, the industry focused on must be clarified," he said when speaking during the debate on the motion of thanks for the royal address by Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah of Kedah when opening the state assembly session.

Mahdzir, who is the former menteri besar, said it was found that foreign investment in the Kulim Hi-Tech Park had not increased since 2007, adding that the state government should do something about it.

He said one of the promises made to the people by the PAS government was three months maternity leave and 20 days leave for women public servants upon the death of their husbands, but everything was vague about the implementation.

Mahdzir also asked the state government to ensure that its move to corporate the state Water Supply Department did not have an adverse impact on the state's revenue.

-- BERNAMA

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