Issue of permanent ownership for new villages not condition for unity govt: MB

IPOH – The issue of granting 999-year land ownership to new villages in the state was never raised as a condition in the formation of a unity government in Perak, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

“No. There were no such demands,” he told a press conference after a meeting with the state’s new executive councillors at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building here today.

He was commenting on a viral WhatsApp message claiming that Pakatan Harapan (PH) had agreed to conditions set by Barisan Nasional (BN) that the latter be given the menteri besar post and three state executive councillor positions, while PH would drop the land ownership claim.

Saarani said the state government adheres to the federal constitution, the state’s own laws, and the National Land Code 1965 in the matter.

When asked about the statement made by Perak PH chairman Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa that there was an agreement between BN and PH to form the state government, Saarani said it was related to the distribution of roles.

PH and BN had agreed to cooperate to form the state government after the parties obtained 24 and nine seats respectively in the 15th general election last Saturday while Perikatan Nasional won 26 seats.

Meanwhile, Saarani said the rapport between BN and PH facilitated the formation of the Perak government – unlike what is happening at the federal level.

“Once finalised, we will be able to focus on developing the state and this cannot be delayed. We immediately held our first (executive councillor) meeting. We need to move on and keep going,” he said. – Bernama, November 23, 2022