Govt can't deny development in independent area, says ex-PKR man

 

STATE POLLS | The government cannot deny developments in any area even though the seat was won by an independent, said former PKR Ampangan incumbent Mohamad Rafie Malek.

Rafie (above), who is defending his Ampangan seat as an independent, said that caretaker menteri besar Aminuddin Harun’s statement on how developments cannot be done alone and not as part of the government, is an attempt to fool the people.

“It is unfortunate how Aminudin failed to understand that the success of an administration and the ability to bring development highly relies on a credible leader.

“A charismatic leader will be able to manage and bring about developments even if they are ‘alone’ (independent) because of their core commitment in carrying out their duties for the people,” said Rafie.

“At the same time, the people cannot be fooled or frightened by the term ‘independent’ because all executives, be it the prime minister, menteri besar, minister, or exco, have no right to deny developments in areas not represented by government elected representatives,” he said.

Last night, Aminuddin in his ceramah said he did not deny Rafie's contributions as a former state assembly member and exco.

Caretaker Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun

However, Aminuddin reminded that it was the duty of all elected representatives to develop their area and it would be difficult to maintain continuity if the seat is won by an independent.

Commenting further, Rafie claimed that Aminuddin, who is defending his Sikamat seat for the fourth term, has failed to bring significant developments.

This was in alleged contrast to his own record in Ampangan in only one term.

“Developments in an area depend on the leadership. For example, Sikamat is represented by Aminuddin himself who has served for three terms, one of which also as menteri besar.

“But there are no significant developments and, in fact, even basic maintenance of the roads is not done well,” he claimed.

“This is very much different from Ampangan under Rafie, that even though it has only been managed for one term, there have been many developments and maintenance are at an impressive level,” said Rafie, who had also claimed credit for various state government initiatives. - Mkini