JOHOR POLLS | Pejuang president Mukhriz Mahathir today said any planned development projects in the state must take into consideration inputs from various government agencies involved in the initial process.
Reflecting on his own experience as former Kedah menteri besar, Mukhriz said there were occasions where recommendations from agencies including the Environment Department were ignored during state exco discussions.
“So, I hope whatever decisions to be made by the state government will give serious consideration to recommendations by these agencies.
“Particularly if there are concerns of environmental damage or potential income loss for the locals,” Mukhriz told reporters in Larkin while stumping for Pejuang's candidate Mohamad Riadz Mohamad Hashim.
He said this when asked for comments on Pejuang's view on the proposed Maharani Energy Gateway - a new sea reclamation project off the coast of Muar in Johor, owned by Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, which could begin as early as this year.
The project aims to create an energy hub and deep sea port which involves the creation of three man-made islands covering an area of 1,295 hectares, about a quarter of the size of Putrajaya.
Its environmental impact assessment (EIA) became available for public viewing on Feb 14, under a caretaker government, and will be accessible until next Tuesday (March 15).
Pejuang enters BN’s Felda fixed deposit
Entering the last lap of campaigning, Mukhriz said his visits to Felda settlements across Johor so far has shown progress in terms of support for Pejuang.
“I was surprised that in areas typically seen as BN's fixed deposit, now can be penetrated by Pejuang.
“We have raised quite a number of flags and when we asked the Felda settlers, they said they have been asking for things like housing for the second generation for too long,” said the Jerlun MP.
Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob during a function at Felda Lok Heng Timur, Kota Tinggi, yesterday claimed there are certain quarters trying to “spoil” BN’s Felda fixed deposit by playing up issues affecting the settlers.
Ismail Sabri had also elaborated on the federal and state governments’ plan to assist first-time homeowners among second-generation Felda settlers, offering 3,200 plots of state land to be sold and developed by individual buyers.
Pejuang is fielding 42 candidates in the Johor polls and Mukhriz said the party remains optimistic in its chances to form a government with at least 29 seats, the minimum required number from a total 56-seats in the state assembly.
“We will wait and see,” he said when asked if Pejuang would consider cooperating with other parties to form a government if it fails to win at least 29 seats.
“Most important for us, they must share our aspirations. So parties involved in corruption, abuse of power, we won’t approach them,” added Mukhriz.
Pejuang founder Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is also Mukhriz’s father, had made a surprise appearance on Pejuang’s campaign trail last week, amid concerns over his health.
Asked about Mahathir’s health, Mukhriz said the 96-year-old had returned to Langkawi yesterday where he still serves as MP.
He said Mahathir is also unlikely to make another appearance in Johor but will deliver a “final message” for voters through another open letter.
Johoreans go to the polls on March 12. - Mkini
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