Extend unconditional help to develop Perak, Muhyiddin tells opposition

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today invited the opposition pact to help the Barisan Nasional (BN) government develop Perak instead of setting conditions for extending cooperation.

Setting terms was not a favourable practice and the conditions would only make things difficult for the state government administration, he said.

"Do not set any condition. Extend cooperation as a reflection of your sincerity in wanting to help Perak develop," he told reporters after attending the monthly assembly of employees of the Felda Group at the Dewan Felda, here.

Muhyiddin said it might not be easy for Perak to achieve development without the participation of both the government and the opposition.

Both sides must play their respective roles in the state, he added.

As such, he urged all quarters in Perak to help Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir to continue with the development plans prepared for the state.

"I feel that if the opposition pact thinks the development plans are good, they should support them. Do not do anything which can result in losses for the people.

"Show positive change. Then, we will not have many who will want to engage in politicking. Focus on efforts to ensure the well-being of the people of Perak," he said.

On Tuesday, the Federal Court ruled that Dr Zambry is the rightful menteri besar of Perak by declaring that his appointment by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah, was constitutionally valid.

Former menteri besar Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said subsequently that the opposition Pakatan Rakyat was prepared to extend cooperation to the BN state government subject to certain conditions.

Among the conditions were that the Pakatan Rakyat parties be allowed to use community halls to hold their functions, be allowed to attend meetings of state action committees and district action committees to enable them give their input, and opposition assemblymen be given financial allocation to undertake welfare activities for the people.

Earlier, in his speech, Muhyiddin called on employees of the Felda Group to adopt creative and innovative approaches to make the country more competitive in the plantation and food industry sectors.

He said this was in line with Felda's mission to make its management world class and become a global player, besides being the best producer of oil palm and rubber products.

"This requires us to think out of the box and not remain in our comfort zones. We are facing greater competition; we are facing bigger challenges. These require us to act swiftly lest we be led astray," he said.

He also said that Felda employees should go down to the ground to find out the problems faced by the settlers so that immediate action could be taken.