Don't mistake passivity for inefficiency - minister tells detractors

INTERVIEW | A year into Pakatan Harapan’s administration, Rina Mohd Harun is aware of the perception held by some that she has been largely passive, especially when it comes to responding to current issues.

However, the rural development minister stressed her passivity is not without reason. She seems passive, she said, because most of her focus has been on carrying out the responsibilities of the portfolio entrusted her, instead of commenting on other ministry's affairs or on politics.

She further dismissed allegations that she has not been carrying out her duties well since being appointed into the Harapan cabinet, under Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“I admit (to being passive) and I have also heard others say so. For the past year, I have led this ministry and there has been many trials and tribulations which you (the media) know, (even) early on there had been issues with the media, but now things are better.

“I am learning.

“I wish to stress that I have been focussed on implementation,” Rina told reporters in Putrajaya today.

She added: “I am not the kind to just talk, but I am a doer. For example, we target 60 percent (implementation) but I will reach 67 percent, and that is why I am more focused on my ministry, where I prioritise results.”

The Srikandi Bersatu chief and Pakatan Harapan deputy women’s chief said the results of her hard work would be visible through her achievements after almost a year leading the ministry.

Citing the 2018-2023 Harapan Rural Development Plan, the minister claimed some 500,000 rural Malaysians have benefitted, based on facts and on ministry records.

Closing the rural-urban development gap

She said the government is focussing on rural development to ensure the nation’s economic development is inclusive of all levels of society.

“Based on programmes carried out by the ministry, up to 500,000 people have benefitted… what has become the philosophy and goal of my struggle is to reduce the divide between urban and rural development, which should not just be limited to infrastructure, but also the economy, the generation of human capital and the use of new technology to fulfil long-term needs,” she said.

Elaborating on the Rural Development Plan, with the theme ‘Rural Prosperity’, Rina said the plan comprised 29 strategies and 94 programmes to be implemented under six cores, namely, infrastructure, economy, entrepreneurship, human capital, women and delivery system.

Rina first became active in politics in 2002 when she served as Sepang Umno’s Puteri chief. She was also Puteri Umno exco in 2009. She later joined Bersatu. She was also active in several NGOs.

Prior to her appointment as cabinet minister, Rina earned her place among ‘the giant killers’ for her feat in the 14th general election where she defeated the BN incumbent for the Titiwangsa parliamentary seat, Johari Abdul Ghani, as well as PAS’ Mohamad Noor Mohamad. - Mkini