SHAH ALAM – The four PAS-led state governments (SG4), with former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed as its economic adviser, would continue collaborating with the unity government though they are in the opposition.
SG4 spokesman Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will extend close cooperation with the federal government on grounds of mutual economic benefit.
It will not be partisan to the point of impeding nation-building, he said.
“We will continue to build on our relations though we are known as the SG4,” Samsuri told a press conference on the sidelines of the 69th PAS muktamar here.
Just like Malaysia cooperates with G7 and BRIC international economic blocs, the SG4 will work with the federal administration through the SG4, said Samsuri.
SG4 is dominated by PAS, which comprises Bersatu and Gerakan while the unity government consists of Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional.
With Dr Mahathir’s stewardship, Samsuri said while the SG4 states hope to become self-sustainable when it comes to growing the economy, it would be open to differing viewpoints from their political rivals.
“If for example (DAP icon) Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang wants to register a view or an idea, we would accept his input if he brings a value-added concept to our struggle.”
However, there are certain requirements SG4 are keen on putting forth, such as fully shariah-based or shariah-compliant investments.
Present at the media briefing were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Noor; Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Panglima Mohd Nassarudin Daud and Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli.
There are some elements that require total partnership between state and national, including security and the economy, said Samsuri.
“The nation needs to move forward despite having political differences.”
Samsuri said that no development could take place whether in the states or on the federal side if political parties are constantly preoccupied with sheer politicking.
Earlier, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said that PAS is willing to also work with the non-Muslims in the country, provided they do not have an extremist outlook.
He said PAS is holding dialogues with all Chinese cultural and commerce organisations through the participation of its ally, Gerakan, to demonstrate that the party believes in the country’s pluralism.
Meanwhile, PAS also became the first political entity in the country to launch a “Super App” for its members to access and coordinate party’s activities and resources.
Takiyuddin said the “MyOnePAS” app allows its members to enjoy electronic features such as e-wallet, a Mastercard debit card and users can load up to RM35,000 into their accounts for e-wallets and debit card use.
It will be available on the Google Play Store and through Apple’s App Store on November 24. – The Vibes, October 21, 2023
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