MERBOK: Kedah Barisan Nasional (BN) has called on the federal government to consider centralising allocations to the state through the State Development Office (SDO).
Its chairman, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, said consolidating funding under the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) of the Prime Minister's Department would enable BN and Pakatan Harapan leaders in Kedah to be actively involved in distributing federal aid to the people.
Mahdzir said this proposal was part of the resolutions passed by BN component parties during the Kedah BN Convention 2024 today.
"We are requesting that all federal government agencies in Kedah work closely with BN and PH. The central authority for federal-level activities should operate under one body, namely the ICU.
"With this arrangement, PH and BN leaders can collaborate to find ways to assist the people across all districts. Even though we may not hold elected positions, we remain part of the federal government, which has the budget to assist the people.
"This includes support for fishermen, padi farmers, rubber smallholders, palm oil smallholders, contractors, civil servants, and factory workers in southern Kedah," he said during a press conference at the conclusion of the convention, opened by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who is also BN chairman.
Mahdzir said a similar approach was adopted in 2008 after BN lost the state in the general election, ensuring efficient distribution of federal government funds in the state through the SDO.
"We will establish coordination bodies at both the state constituency and parliamentary levels. Any initiatives for the people will involve input from us," he said.
Mahdzir also outlined other resolutions reached by BN during the convention, which include emphasising unity and strengthening BN component parties.
"We are cooperating well with each other. This is crucial for moving forward as we prepare for the general election in about two and a half years. MCA, MIC, and Umno work together cohesively.
"At the same time, we acknowledge that BN is a partner in the Unity Government. We are committed to collaborating under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim," he said.
Mahdzir also said the third resolution involves the establishment of a working framework for 2025 and 2026 in preparation for the next general election.
"We aim to set clear work standards for preparing ourselves to face the upcoming elections. By 2027, I think we will likely enter the next general election zone," he added.