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KUALA TERENGGANU - State infrastructure projects and international diplomatic missions must be thoroughly evaluated by the long-term economic benefits they deliver to citizens rather than being reduced to mere instruments for political publicity, a prominent expert warned on Friday, July 10.
Social anthropology and community development expert Dr Sahar Sa'di Hashim stated that the Terengganu government's utilisation of the iconic Terengganu Drawbridge during a high-profile visit by European Union (EU) ambassadors demonstrated commendable administrative maturity. He emphasized that utilizing inherited infrastructure for state progression is correct, regardless of which political coalition originally launched the development.
"The Drawbridge was actually built during the previous state administration. Although the project was once the subject of criticism, the current government has every right and responsibility to make full use of the assets it inherited for the benefit of the people.
"This proves that the true value of any development is ultimately measured by the benefits it brings to the people, not by the political affiliation of those who initiated it," Dr Sahar said in an official statement.
The expert noted that working trips by the EU Delegation to Malaysia are standard practice across states such as Johor, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, and Perak to discuss local trade, investments, and environmental sustainability. Consequently, the recent presence of foreign emissaries should be framed as a natural continuation of bilateral ties rather than an extraordinary political milestone.
"Therefore, the visit to Terengganu should be viewed as a continuation of the EU's diplomatic network and strategic cooperation in Malaysia, rather than a new phenomenon.
"The true value of any international visit lies not merely in the presence of a delegation or ceremonial symbolism, but in the ability to translate it into tangible outcomes such as increased investment, job creation and improved public well-being," he mentioned.
While acknowledging that Terengganu's regional profile has expanded due to the Menteri Besar's visible role as the national Perikatan Nasional (PN) chairman, Dr Sahar reiterated that real success will be measured strictly by post-mission financial yields.
"The question is whether this visit will generate new investments, employment opportunities, technology transfer and growth in the tourism sector or whether it will simply become political publicity ending with commemorative photographs.
"In a mature political system, the success of a state should not be monopolised by any political party. Ultimately, the people do not judge who cuts the ribbon or who stands at the front for photographs.
"They judge who is capable of delivering progress and leaving a legacy that genuinely benefits future generations," Dr Sahar concluded.
On Monday, July 6, Terengganu hosted a 15-member EU delegation led by EU Ambassador to Malaysia Rafael Daerr.
The group was granted an official audience with the Regent of Terengganu, Tengku Muhammad Ismail Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, at Istana Syarqiyyah before attending state development briefings at Wisma Darul Iman. The delegation included top diplomatic representatives from 15 European nations: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, and Spain.