The East is Green. Trouble in Terengganu( 2/2)

How is the situation in Terengganu? PR won only 2 seats. In Marang it won during the 2008 elections. PAS won Kuala Terengganu in a by election.

The people of Terengganu have exhibited one peculiar trait. When they decide to swing, they will do an almost complete volte face. That is why in Terengganu unlike other states, we have seen the administration see-sawing between PAS and UMNO.

And this time, it looks PAS will benefit from the notorious Terengganu swing. But this time, PAS better get its house in order and bring the supporting professionals to its side to offer better hope to the people. For too long, the people are caught in a twilight zone of a state being what it is and what it could be. It could have been the richest state but for want of a good government. As to what it is, the people are beset by a sad state of affairs where the state’s wealth has been cornered by the powerful elites.

One man is responsible for the social injustice. Mat Said. The state’s money has been applied to a string of imprudent spending. A zoo costing almost RM100 million, the construction of a new palace whose costs will definitely reach RM 1 billion. Choice lands given to UMNO leaders. Oil Royalty money given by the Federal government on the quiet for fear that neighboring Kelantan will demand the same.

Federal money is sustaining a decadent and wasteful government.

The first thing one notices when entering Terengganu as you enter Kemaman, Terengganu is a land of the giants. Giant posters of Mat Said, the MB in various poses. Kissing babies- Mat Said. Exhorting anything, Mat Said. Seminar and forums on new media- giant posters of Mat Said. TPM’s visit- Mat Said is more visible. Humoring Tun Mahathir by inviting the former PM to talk about his version of Islam- Mat Said stands as equal to Dr Mahathir.

Is this a megalomaniac man or what? Does this explain his equally megalomaniacal projects in the state? Terengganu has been Mat Saidized, as the people are marginalized.

He has built a state zoo costing almost RM 100 million. The purchase of exotic animals and the ensuing feeding of the animals will cost Terengganu a lot of money each year. Money which could be spent more wisely.  Like sponsoring students to study in universities abroad. Here is an MB who sees it more appropriate to feed animals rather than sponsoring a few students who had to come back to Malaysia for want of funds.

The state is full of white elephant projects that give no meaning to the people of Terengganu. The Monsoon Cup project is a symbol of excesses and decadent living. Locals benefit little from the project. Except getting the contract for cleaning the garbage left by the international jet set hobnobbing with Mat Said and the KT elite the previous night. Menatang mu.

Oil was discovered there since the 1970s, yet Terengganu remains one of the poorest states. Just venture on the outskirts of Terengganu, you will see people living in poverty stricken conditions with little improvements in social and public amenities. Or look out of your window at the Grand Continental hotel and feast your eyes on dilapidated houses strew around.

Projects are dished out to party members and business cronies. The new highway traversing the village of Banggol Donas just outside of Kuala Terengganu has been given to an UMNO youth leader. The highway project is creating much dissatisfaction among locals.

This is a state lead by a megalomaniacal MB who has desensitized himself of the needs of Terengganu people.

Other ADUns and MPs wanting to legitimize and elevate their statures will incorporate the image of Mat Said alongside their images. Mat Said is all over the place.

Mat Said got there as a result of the 2008 elections.  The results back then were as the Table below.

SEAT	CURRENT WINNER	%AGE OF SUPPORT TO PR	VOTE SWING FOR PR IN 2008
BESUT	BN	38.5	(1.35)
SETIU	BN	41.4	0.61
KUALA NERUS	BN	48.0	3.05
KUALA TRENGGANU	PR	52.3	1.49
MARANG	PR	51.5	2.12
HULU TRENGGANU	BN	37.8	(1.84)
DUNGUN	BN	44.6	0.58
KEMAMAN	BN	39.0	3.52
average			1.22

Mat Said got into office because the Sultan of Terengganu wanted nothing to do with a pervious equally megalomaniacal MB. Since then Mat Said has overshadowed the pervious MB in terms of sheer thoroughness to mat Saidize Terengganu.

He has employed one powerful weapon. Do everything that will ingratiate himself to the ruler. What the ruler hasn’t wished of, Mat Said has taken as command.

The effect of all these have created great animosity in the people. Everywhere you go, people are eager to dump Mat Said and UMNO into the political dustbin. My own estimate is that at the very least, there will be a 7% swing to the opposition. If the swing is more than 7%, BN will be left with one parliamentary seat.

Notice Kemaman? Word has it that if Rafizi stands there, Shabery Chik is out.

CONSTITUENCY	3% SWING		7 % SWING
	BN	PR	BN	PR
BESUT	1	0	1	0
SETIU	1	0	0	1
KUALA NERUS	0	1	0	1
KUALA TERENGGANU	0	1	0	1
MARANG	0	1	0	1
HULU TERENGGANU	1	0	1	0
DUNGUN	1	0	0	1
KEMAMAN	1	0	0	1
TOTAL	5	3	2	6