PM demolishes obstacles to develop Kelantan -- Annuar





KOTA BHARU, April 11 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has taken a bold move to transform the face of Kelantan which has often been marginalised from the current national development due to geographical, historical and political constraints.

UMNO Information Chief, Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the government's decision to implement the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project from the capital and across Pahang, Terengganu and ending in Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat in Kelantan was among the brave moves seen to be demolishing the three major obstacles in the effort to develop the state.

Annuar, who is also Ketereh Umno division chief, said Kelantan's geographical position separated by the Titiwangsa Range and was often flooded and far from the big cities, were among the factors for the slow current of development to the state.

"Hundreds of years of Siamese and British colonisations cannot tear down this geographical barrier," he said at a friendly gathering with Ketereh residents at the Kelantan Poverty Eradication Foundation Complex at Kampung Wakaf Tok Wali, Melor, in conjunction with Najib's day trip to the state today.

Historically, Kelantan as an Unfederated Malay state was often marginalised by the British and, because of political barriers, the opposition-dominated state was also often marginalised from enjoying development like other states.

"Others do not dare to do it but he (Najib) decided to 'split' the Titiwangsa range for ECRL. Najib has realised the aspirations of the people of Terengganu who never had the 'kete lipang' (centipede car train).

"The ECRL mooted by Najib will transform the look of the East Coast," said Annuar.

In the meantime, he said Najib's track record in managing the party was 'very good' by enabling the component parties to be more open in voicing their views.

In fact, he added, the country's management, unity among the multi-racial society, economic management and international relations under the leadership of the Prime Minister improved as well, as compared to the past.

Hence, he urged voters in Ketereh to stand firm with Najib so that these could be maintained through support for the Barisan Nasional in the 14th General Election.

-- BERNAMA