KUALA LUMPUR – Former Ampang MP Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin has expressed support for the appointment of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the adviser to Perikatan Nasional’s (PN) “State Government Four” (SG4).
She dismissed claims that the proposed appointment was purely political, referring to objections from leaders of the unity government as “narrow-minded.”
In a statement, the former Parti Bangsa Malaysia (PBM) leader concurred with the rationale of Perikatan Nasional leaders selecting Dr Mahathir for that role.
“The appointment of Dr Mahathir as an adviser is bound to bolster diplomatic ties between these four states and the international community, while also serving as a magnet for foreign direct investment, technology exchange, and the augmentation of bilateral trade activities.
“Ultimately, this will be advantageous for the four states and, indirectly, contribute to Malaysia’s economic progress,” she said.
Zuraida said Dr Mahathir’s involvement would play a pivotal role in advancing the development of the northern peninsula states under PN rule such as fostering bilateral ties with other nations and economic entities.
The four PN-led state governments are Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu.
“The expertise of Dr Mahathir, an internationally renowned figure, should unquestionably be cherished for providing guidance and profound insights.
“His extensive experience extends not only to shaping effective state economic policies but also to deciphering the increasingly intricate global political landscape.”
On September 15, former Sabah chief minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak insinuated that appointing Dr Mahathir as the adviser to Perikatan Nasional’s “State Government 4” was an attempt to position him as the de facto leader of PN.
A day earlier, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar had announced the formation of the new bloc called “State Government Four” or “SG4”.
Samsuri had also instructed the Terengganu executive council to engage in discussions with their counterparts in the other three states. – The Vibes, September 18, 2023
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