IPOH: Negative claims that the Perak unity government lacks credibility and ideas are mere accusations aimed at destabilising the state administration.
Perak Barisan Nasional chairman and Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said Thursday marked the second anniversary of the Perak unity government, which was formed on Nov 21, 2022.
He said there had been attempts to destabilise the state government, including by spreading the narrative that the administration would only last a few months due to ideological differences.
"Issues of race and religion were played up to provoke hatred among the people.
"The flames of hostility were lit in hopes that parties in the state government would fall apart.
"But that did not happen. Despite all the accusations and doubt, BN has maintained stability by promoting unity in governance.
"We have put to rest all doubts by creating success after success for the state and the people."
He said this in his speech at the Perak BN Convention here today.
The convention was launched by BN chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Present were BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Saarani said despite negative perceptions about the state administration, BN and other parties in the state unity government had succeeded in boosting the economy.
He said the proof was in the implementation of high-impact projects, improvement in transportation networks and the creation of new wealth through economic diversification.
"Perak made history when we used local expertise to separate rare earth elements, a technology dominated by China and Australia, thus establishing Perak as a new mineral industry hub in the region.
"At one point, Perak was on the brink of collapse due to the pandemic, recording a deficit of RM78 million.
"But step by step, we restored our financial position, eventually recording a surplus of RM62.4 million, the highest in history."
He said these figures were not fabricated, but a manifestation of the prosperity of a government that cares about policy implementation and the livelihood of the people.
"We must remember that this success did not come easily. Maintaining the momentum of success is not easy.
"Ahead of us, there will be increasingly complex political challenges.
"As such, I urge us all to use this convention as a platform to unite and strategise."