A small state like Penang receiving RM16 billion, is that fair?' – Sanusi
He said such a large allocation should have been distributed more fairly according to the needs of all states, including Johor, which has a larger land area and population
MERSING – The Federal Government has been accused of unfairly distributing development allocations after approving about RM16 billion for the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) project, which is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP).
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said such a large allocation should have been distributed more fairly according to the needs of all states, including Johor, which has a larger land area and population.
"In this state election, they are making all sorts of promises to Johor. How much are they planning to allocate compared with the RM16 billion already approved for a small state like Penang?"
"Penang is a small state with a population of about 1.7 million, yet RM16 billion was approved for an LRT project under PTMP.
"Is this fair? A small state receiving RM16 billion for a single project," he said during the N32 Endau mega ceramah at Dataran Mersing Kanan on Thursday.
He claimed the approval reflected unequal treatment towards states that were not aligned with the Federal Government.
He said such an approach went against the spirit of the federal system, which should ensure fair development distribution among all states.
"Previously, we established the Federation so that the Federal Government would be strong in facing national challenges. But after more than 60 years, states that are not aligned with the Federal Government are allegedly being pressured.
"States governed by parties aligned with the Federal Government are given various advantages, while other states do not receive the same treatment," he claimed.
Sanusi said the RM16 billion allocation should instead be used to address basic issues faced by all states, particularly ageing water supply infrastructure.
"Almost all states are facing issues with old pipelines, water supply systems requiring upgrades and rising operating costs.
"But these states are not given the same opportunities, while Penang receives RM16 billion for an LRT project. This is unfair and amounts to discrimination," he said.
He also claimed that the Federal Government should not use development allocations as political capital, as such allocations are responsibilities agreed upon under the federal system.
"All these allocations are the responsibility of the Federal Government as agreed under the agreement. Therefore, there should be no issue of bringing them up repeatedly because it is the government's obligation.
"If ministers come and highlight all these matters, tell them that it is indeed the Federal Government's responsibility, not a tool to seek support," he said.
Download Sinar Daily application.Click Here!
