Muhkriz Can Transform Jerlun Into Another Kubang Pasu

JERLUN, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- "If he can develop Jerlun, in the manner Tun Mahathir (former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad) developed Kubang Pasu, then we will choose him."
Jerlun parliamentary constituency resident Abdul Kader Malek said this when commenting on Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir's candidacy as the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate.
The 47-year-old said Jerlun could be considered isolated from development as it still lacked infrastructure and basic facilities. "A lot of people here still do not enjoy piped water, electricity and tarred roads," he told Bernama today.
The local people regard Mukhriz an idealist, something he has in common with his father, Dr Mahathir who held the Kubang Pasu parliamentary seat for seven terms.
During his tenure, Dr Mahathir managed to transform the Kubang Pasu landscape into an "Education Valley" in Kedah, with the construction of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Politeknik Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah, Institut Latihan Industri (Kubang Pasu) and Kolej Komuniti Bandar Darul Aman.
Abdul Kader however, said the people preferred to 'wait and see' first before coming to a decision.
The incumbent for Kota Seputeh state seat Datuk Abu Bakar Sarif said the people regarded Mukhriz as a "gold mine", with the hope that he could improve their economic status.
He said the people were more inclined to seek the help of MPs, rather than state assemblymen because of the large allocation given to MPs.
"I believe Mukhriz has a lot of plans for Jerlun and can effectively use allocation from the Federal Government to develop areas in Jerlun."
Chow Hua Meng, 52, said Mukhriz's candidacy would change the way the electorate voted as the people were looking for a new style of leadership.
He said although Mukhriz was considered an "outsider", the electorate was confident that he would win the seat as he was well-educated and possessed administrative and business experience.
"We are not stupid people. Somebody who can contribute like Mukhriz must be voted in," he added.
Md Taib Abdullah, 35, said Mukhriz's candidacy had affected support for PAS as he was seen as a breath of fresh air to bring about a change to Jerlun.
Debutant Mukhriz is involved in a straight fight with unheralded Idris Ahmad of PAS.

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