State polls: Young voters digitally savvy, understand their duty, says caretaker Kelantan MB

KOTA BARU: The rise of young voters who voted for Perikatan Nasional (PN) in last year’s 15th General Election (GE15) shows they are digitally savvy and understand their duty to the country, says Datuk Ahmad Yakob.

The caretaker Kelantan mentri besar was also confident that they would vote wisely in the Aug 12 state election and become a vehicle of future success for Perikatan.

“Our manifesto offers programmes that will help the poor, women, disabled people and others in need,” he said during the launch of its state election manifesto here on Monday (July 31).

Ahmad Yakob, who will be contesting in the Pasir Pekan seat, also said that the youth had mastered the digital world and were very active in GE15.

He also pointed out that Malaysia was a hidden gem in the world as it upheld Islamic law, especially in Kelantan where Syariah law was practised.

“We have also organised many Islamic programmes such as introducing Islamic banking during the administration of the late Tan Sri Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.

“This shows that we are a hidden gem and I call for everyone to support our manifesto,” he said.

Ahmad Yakob added that the Federal Government should be blamed for not helping the state build its own port and increase funds from its oil reserves.

“We have appealed to the federal government to build a new port as we are located strategically between Thailand, Vietnam and Laos but we are never given attention,” he said, adding that it was the federal government’s responsibility to build one for them.

“We also have rich minerals here such as gold, zinc, feldspar, iron and many more that can be processed.”

Kelantan Perikatan’s manifesto themed “Kelantan Maju Rakyat Sejahtera” listed 18 plans and 96 programmes aimed towards socio-economic and agricultural productivity development.

The manifesto also includes women development, education, family, youth and environmental development programmes.

The state elections in Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan will be held on Aug 12, with early polling on Aug 8.