PM chairs Kelantan development meeting in a packed day of events (UPDATED)

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim commenced his official visit to Kelantan with a closed-door special meeting on Kelantan State Development, held at the Kota Darulnaim Complex in Kota Bharu today.

The meeting, aimed at discussing strategic development plans and federal-state collaboration, underlines the federal government’s continued commitment to equitable growth across all states.

Anwar, who also holds the Finance Minister portfolio, arrived at 8.40am and was welcomed by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, alongside several members of the state executive council and senior state government officials.

Addressing the meeting — which brought together Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, state executive councillors, and senior federal and state officials — Anwar underscored the urgency of streamlining and intensifying the implementation of key public projects.

“I touched on the importance of accelerating and enhancing priority public projects, especially those that will have a significant impact on economic development and shared prosperity,” he said.

The discussions also focused on how best to fast-track essential infrastructure initiatives such as flood mitigation plans, which have long been a pressing concern for Kelantan residents.

“We explored factors that should be considered in expediting such projects so as not to burden the people through increased costs or financial losses,” Anwar explained.

He also issued a clear directive on accountability and monitoring, stressing the need for all stakeholders to maintain vigilance over project progress.

“I reminded all parties of the need to closely monitor project implementation, including so-called ‘sick projects’, to ensure they are completed within the set timeframe and achieve commendable performance,” he added.

Anwar’s comments reflect his administration’s ongoing emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and effective governance, particularly in states where development gaps remain.

“May this concern for the welfare and well-being of the people of Kelantan continue to be a top priority and managed in the best possible manner,” he added.

Joining the Prime Minister in the high-level session were Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, along with Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Public Service Department Director-General Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz.

Following the meeting, Anwar travelled to Pantai Irama, Bachok, where he officiated the Kelantan-level MADANI Aidilfitri 2025 celebration.

Held under the themed “Ihsan Menyentuh Jiwa, Toleransi Menyatu Negara” (Compassion Touches the Soul, Tolerance Unites the Nation), the open house event welcomed Malaysians from all walks of life — transcending race, religion, and social background.

The celebration featured a vibrant programme of traditional performances, cultural showcases and a wide variety of festive delicacies, as well as a personal meet-and-greet session with the Prime Minister — creating a joyful, inclusive environment designed to strengthen communal harmony.

The celebration is more than just a festive occasion, it is a meaningful platform to strengthen community bonds and promote unity through shared cultural, traditional, and social values,” said the Prime Minister's Office Performance Improvement Coordination Unit (PACU) in a statement.

Anwar’s day will continue with the MADANI Aidilfitri 2025 celebrations in Penang, with festivities scheduled to begin at 4.00pm at the PICCA Convention Centre @Arena Butterworth. Before arriving at the event, Anwar — who previously served as Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh — will make a symbolic return to his political roots by attending a groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of Masjid Jamek Cherok Tokun Bawah at 2.00pm.

The Penang celebration, jointly hosted by the Penang state government and the Ministry of Human Resources, led by Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Attendees in Penang will be treated to a lavish buffet of traditional Malaysian dishes including grilled lamb, Penang laksa, curry noodles, nasi impit with peanut sauce, lemang, ketupat, satay, roti jala, squid noodles, cendol, pasembor, and apam balik, alongside Penang’s signature local delicacies.

The Kelantan and Penang events mark the third and fourth stops of the MADANI Aidilfitri 2025 Celebration, following the national launch in Melaka on April 5, and a well-received gathering in Pahang the day before.

The MADANI Aidilfitri series, which continues across several states, is part of the government’s broader initiative to promote unity, inclusivity, and national identity through shared celebrations and cultural engagement. — April 12, 2025