ALOR STAR, 19 Nov 2008: The Barisan Nasional (BN) will not blindly oppose the Kedah Pakatan Rakyat state government’s proposals that benefit the people.
State opposition leader Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (BN-Pedu) said that although the role of the BN was that of the opposition, still the BN would not oppose things blindly.
“We, the BN, will not oppose everything, but we will oppose if things have nothing to do with the interests of the people or if things are politically motivated and we will criticise and give our views for the good of the people,” Mahdzir said during the debate on the motion of thanks on the speech of the Sultan of Kedah, Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah, when declaring open the state assembly.
Mahdzir said although the BN viewed the state budget tabled by the state government as an austere one, the BN was still critical to ensure a realistic financial policy for the good of the people.
“We can estimate income but in reality can the state government increase income when the budget tabled is getting bigger?” he asked.
Mahdzir, the former menteri besar, said the BN always practised a practical and open policy towards accepting criticism for the progress of the state and its people.
“The PAS-led government must also be open, and if they want to do something they are unsure of they must call in (federal) government officers who are knowledgeable and understanding to help and give opinions,” he said.
Yesterday, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak tabled the state budget that amounted to RM1.3 billion while the state’s income was just RM487 million. — Bernama
