PASIR MAS, March 26 – Issues related to empowering arts and culture are among pertinent matters that require attention and understanding in Kelantan, if Barisan Nasional (BN) were to capture the state in the 13th General Election, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim(Pic).
He said other matters that need to be focused are issues that burdened the people, like land fraud and lack of clean water.
These issues must be explained and the contribution from the federal government towards the welfare of the people, be told, he said.
“The people should be told of the development brought by the federal government, for the benefit of the people, compared with what the PAS state government has done,” he said when speaking at a session with the people in Kampung Gertak Serong, here today.
Also present at the session which was attended by about 1,000 guests, included Rais’ wife Datin Seri Masnah Rais and Pasir Mas Umno division chief Datuk Hanafi Mamat. Rais who is the Information, Communications and Culture Minister said his ministry would ensure more wireless villages are set up and the traditional handicraft industry in Kelantan developed.
“Please list the villages requiring such services and its priority. Secondly we could also be of assistance to the traditional metal industry such old keris production and we can help set up workshops. Do not delay in providing help to them,” he said.
He also said the people should be aware that apart from land fraud, the Kelantan government has not placed the institution of Islam at its proper position since it has built only one mosque since ruling the state from 1990. Rais said the people of Kelantan, especially the younger generation who live outside of the state, should help disseminate the real situation in Kelantan.
At the ceremony, Rais also presented contributions to the next of kin of the late Cpl Ahmad Hurairah Ismail who was killed in a gun battle with Sulu terrorists in Lahad Datu, Sabah, on March 12. The same contribution was also presented to Lance Corporal Mohd Shariman Ibrahim who was injured in the battle in Lahad Datu. Earlier, Rais presented cash and hampers to two residents of Kampung Manan here and a master handcrafter Abdullah Daud in the same village.
BERNAMA
