The recent statement from PAS National Committee member Mohd Zuhdi Marsuki, urging the Federal Government to cancel the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, is disappointing.
(https://harakahdaily.net/2025/06/naik-taraf-jrtb-lebih-berbaloi-dari-lrt-pulau-pinang/)
Just yesterday, Transport Minister YB Anthony Loke announced that physical construction of the Penang LRT will begin within the next two months. Additionally, MRT Corp is already conducting recruitment for engineers this weekend, marking real and tangible progress on the ground.
While Penang is taking bold steps forward to improve public transportation and spur economic growth, PAS continues to attempt to derail the state’s development.
It is worth reminding PAS leaders to focus on uplifting their own states instead of obstructing progress elsewhere. In 2023, the GDP per capita in states governed by PAS lags significantly behind:
• Kelantan: RM16,836
• Perlis: RM24,004
• Kedah: RM26,353
• Terengganu: RM31,111
In contrast, Penang recorded a GDP per capita of RM72,586 — more than double that of Terengganu and over four times higher than Kelantan.
We in the Unity Government remains steadfast in our mission to build a better Malaysia. That is why, even in states governed by PAS, the Federal Government continues to push forward relevant development projects.
For example, in Kedah, the Ministry of Transport has allocated funds to launch the “BAS.MY” public bus initiative. It officially began operating in Alor Setar on June 1, with 44 bus stops covering key parts of the city. This initiative provides a more convenient and affordable public transport option for the public, especially benefiting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students who are eligible to ride for free.
In addition, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project has reached 82.45% completion as of April, and construction is progressing steadily.
We in the Unity Government have never opposed development projects in PAS-led states. On the contrary, we have strongly supported those projects because the people in those states also deserve the convenience and economic benefits that come with modern transportation infrastructure.
The Penang LRT project is not merely about transportation. It will create thousands of jobs, help retain local talent, spur economic spillovers across multiple sectors, and most importantly, provide a sustainable solution to worsening traffic congestion in our growing state.
Rather than making baseless objections, PAS leaders should turn their attention to the real needs of their own constituents. Let Penang move forward with the infrastructure and progress its people deserve.
