Pas-led Kedah State Government faces confidence crisis

Pas-led Kedah State Government faces confidence crisis, says Dr Cheah

Press statement by Kedah Gerakan Chairman and Derga Assemblyman Dr Cheah Soon Hai

April 16, 2010

Kedah Gerakan is not surprised with the resignation of Bakar Arang State Assemblyman Tan Wei Shu from PKR, the third PKR representative to leave the loose PAS-led Kedah state government since the General Elections in 2008.

Kedah Gerakan chairman Dr Cheah Soon Hai said the political circles in Kedah were aware that Tan disagreed with the way Pakatan Rakyat, especially PAS, administered the state. 

“Tan has also lost confidence in PKR to look after the people’s interests in Kedah,” said Cheah, who is also Derga State Assemblyman, when commenting on the resignation of Tan yesterday.

The other two PKR leaders who had quit from the party were V. Arumugam (Bukit Selambau state assemblyman) and Mohd Radzhi Salleh (Lunas state assemblyman).

Dr Cheah, who is also Gerakan’s head of central bureau on environment, safety and quality of life, said the trio was obviously disappointed with PKR leadership over several matters and PKR's "insignificant role in the Pas-led state government."

“It is no secret that the cooperation of PAS, PKR and DAP in the Kedah state government is based on marriage of convenience and not to focus on taking care of the people’s interests,” said Dr Cheah.

Besides implementing a number of controversial Islamic policies, the PR Kedah government has also introduced restrictive policies against development projects, such as the 50% Bumiputra Housing Policy. The only pig abattoir in Alor Star was also demolished.

Dr Cheah said it was not a surprise that PAS had refused to listen to views from other PR component parties and was administrating Kedah like a one-party government.

“The Kedah government did not focus on development, but give priority to introduce Islamic policies in the state,” said Dr Cheah, adding that the co-operation of PAS, PKR and DAP is not genuine and is only after powers and definitely not for the people's interest.

“There is no love among the three partners who are exploiting each other’s strength and the co-operation is not permanent as their ideological differences and goals are worlds apart,” Dr Cheah added.