Razali: 'Don't bring elements of kleptocracy in Terengganu'

KUALA TERENGGANU - Datuk Razali Idris, the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for the Kijal state seat, has strongly warned against any form of kleptocracy being introduced into Terengganu.

The state Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman said the people, especially the youth, are aware of the propaganda that is deeply rooted in the leadership of UMNO and Barisan Nasional (BN).

He made the following statement in response to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamid's speech at the Sustainable Generation Youth Association (LesGU), which he believed involved elements of bribery towards young voters.

"Reject kleptocracy and the kakistocracy of the Madani unity government; this is the latest form of kleptocracy from the Umno president, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, he said during LesGU last Friday.

"(He's) using the Rural and Regional Development Ministry as a platform to announce an additional grant of RM100,000 to the Central Terengganu Development Association Youth Association (KETENGAH).

"The supposed purpose was to help the state support activities for youth," he said on his Facebook page on Sunday.

During the Sentuhan Kasih Desa programme in Terengganu on Friday, Zahid announced an additional allocation of RM100,000 for the Youth Association of the Central Terengganu Development Board (Ketengah).

He also announced an allocation of RM250,000 for the Terengganu Youth Council and RM200,000 for motoring associations in the state.

Razali said the amount of "bribes" may increase depending on the performance of the youth in the state elections on Aug 12.

He said Zahid's speech was also laced with politics, which implied a "red and blue wave" would change the "political coast" in Terengganu in the next state polls if the youth supported them.

"As far as I understand, how many motoring associations are on the east coast, and do they all get it or are they just some cronies? These are all state election goodies given by the Madani government.

"It appears that the situation is deteriorating. The citizens and voters of Terengganu are becoming more concerned about a government that is led by corrupt individuals who misuse their power to exploit the people and resources of the country for their gain and influence," he said.

Razali alleged that this practise usually involves misappropriations of national savings.