THE Barisan Nasional state government has been doing more to help the poor than what Pakatan Rakyat did during its 11-month rule, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said.
Citing the squatter problem, Dr Zambry (BN-Pangkor) said from February 2009 to February 2010, when Barisan had taken charge of the government, 860 houses were built for the poor.
“Records from the state Economic Planning Unit show that from March 2008 to February 2009, no houses for the poor were built. I do not know who the state government was then,” he added, in obvious reference to Pakatan.
In his hard-hitting winding up speech yesterday, Dr Zambry revealed that Pakatan never held meetings to discuss squatter problems when it was in power.
“We have extended the deadline of February 2006 to next year to ensure Perak is squatter-free.
“Our records show that up to May 2006, there were still 14,282 squatters in the state,” he said, adding that the state was working hard to solve squatter problems.
At this juncture, Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham (DAP-Sitiawan) stood and claimed that the squatter problem could not be solved as land that was allocated for squatters had been given to government officers instead.
Citing the Venice of Perak in Lumut as an example, Ngeh said following intervention by Dr Zambry, lots initially allocated for squatters by the developer were given to the officers.
“If the state was determined to solve the problem, the lots should have been given to those in need,” he said.
Tan Sri Tajol Rosli Ghazali (BN-Pengkalan Hulu) came to Dr Zambry’s defence, arguing that it was not wrong to give land to the officers.
Citing navy personnel as an example, Tajol Rosli said they had a duty to defend the sovereignty of the country.
“They may not be born in Perak but their contributions to the country should be considered,” he added.
Dr Zambry also took potshots at Opposition leader Datuk Seri Nizar Jamaluddin (PAS-Pasir Panjang) for politicising an event on religious grounds.
Referring to an incident in Manong where Dr Zambry was alleged to have performed a ceremony against Islam, the Mentri Besar said the religious authorities had cleared him of any wrongdoing.
“But the Pasir Panjang assemblyman went around town highlighting the issue,” he said.
At this juncture, Nizar stood up to request for clarification from Dr Zambry but he refused to give way.
