The notion of a ‘failed state’ is defined as a country whose government is no longer able to provide crucial public services and offer political goods to its citizens. In a broader context, these states, ‘may hold seats in the United Nations and function as a sovereign entity in regional and world politics’, but in terms of safeguarding the wellbeing of citizens, the state’s inability to perform results to the institution’s failure to govern and administer.
In a recent statement published in Utusan Malaysia, Kelantan Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Mohd. Amar Nik Abdullah called out on Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng for highlighting pressing issues that continue to plague the people of Kelantan. Datuk Mohd. Amar went as far as uttering slanderous remarks with objectives to discredit Penang’s efforts in combating floods and other natural disasters.
Contrary to his statement, Penang under DAP has seen vast improvements; the numerous welfare programs initiated are made possible by the annual surplus budget which now stands at roughly RM503 million as compared to RM373 million of a Barisan Nasional/Gerakan led state government spanning over 50 years. In addition to this, Penang’s unemployment rate now stands at 1.7% – one of the lowest in the country.
Since taking over as state government in 2008, within just 6 months, the DAP led state government had launched its first action plan to deal with flood issues in view of the flood at Jalan P. Ramlee, Teluk Kumbar, Teluk Bahang, and Kampung Tok Suboh. Although a budget of RM907 million was needed to begin seven flood mitigation projects and build 50 water pump stations and five retention ponds, the Federal Government took a very nonchalant attitude and Penang is still waiting for the full amount promised in the 9th Malaysian Plan.
Perhaps Datuk Mohd. Amar is not aware of Malaysia’s jurisdiction of powers and may have forgotten that as a very heavily federalized institution, it is the responsibility of the Federal Government to safeguard every state and every citizen regardless of political ideologies, race and religion.
Nevertheless, even without Federal funding, the Penang state government remains to set aside limited budget for flood mitigation purposes, for example in 2010, RM242.95 million was allocated for works within Sungai Pinang, Kampung Dodol, Kampung Rawa, Dhoby Ghaut and Sungai Jelutong.
Recently, the DAP-led state government has pledged to allocate an additional RM220 million for flood mitigation works for 2017. Additionally, both local councils – Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MPSP) has set aside RM20million each to resolve flash floods. The Penang State government has also allocated RM50 million to PBA Holdings to connect the piping system between the Air Itam Dam and the Teluk Bahang Dam.
With these examples, the Penang Chief Minister has every right to point Kelantan state government’s failure to resolve the 2014 floods.
PAS Kelantan should not politicize this issue any further and set aside whatever discontent or differences they may have with us in order to do what’s best for the people of Kelantan. When Kelantan fell to Barisan Nasional in 1978, DAP stood by PAS’ side and helped the party during a very tumultuous period. In fact, PAS President, Tuan Guru Haji Hadi Awang once stated in an interview, “Even with our differences (with DAP) over hudud and halal matters, we have something in common, which is to stand up against corruption, injustice and to fight for fairness for all.”
Remember, DAP is not the enemy here – we are not the ones bleeding this nation dry from corruption and mismanagement. We are not the ones swindling Mara, Felda and Tabung Haji.
With that being said, it is time for the present PAS Kelantan state government to be the government of the people, provide basic political goods they deserve and put an end to their unnecessary distress.