Kedah BN-PH candidates introduce the 'Greater Alor Setar' aspiration

ALOR SETAR - Kedah Barisan Nasional (BN) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders contesting in Kota Setar district announced the 'Greater Alor Setar' aspiration as part of their manifesto.

The Greater Alor Setar Aspiration or Great Alor Setar Aspiration is an ambition to make Alor Setar a focal point of governance stability and determinants of sustainable development for the entire Kedah, said DAP Chairman Tan Kok Yew.

Tan, who is also a candidate for the Derga seat, said Kedah has extraordinary potential to become a world-class economy due to its strategic location near Penang and Thailand as well as its wealth from natural resources that other states don't possess.

"Alor Setar, as the capital of Kedah, should be the heart and centre of the state's economic moulding, as well as a hub for art, culture, history, and artisans and practitioners.

"In addition, the area needs to be a talent incubator in both vocational and technical academics as well as technology drivers in all areas, from agriculture to renewable energy," he stated.

On Monday, he announced the Greater Alor Setar Aspiration, which coincided with the official opening of the Derga DUN Operation Centre in Taman Seri Ilham.

Also present at the event were former Menteri Besar Kedah Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah; PH candidate for Likes Menanti, Datuk Zamri Yusuf; BN Hill Lada candidate, Datuk Said Ali Syed Rastan; and PH candidate for Darul Aman Swee Leong Tea.

He went on to say that the three fundamental frameworks of the Greater Alor Setar Aspiration include publicising tourism and social and cultural rebranding, progressive economic development and management, and urban quality of life.

"In conclusion, the RM34 million project announced by the Local Government Development Ministry previously was a starting point for a larger joint venture for Greater Alor Setar.

"The benefits are enjoyed by the residents of Alor Setar in order to live a cleaner, more organised, and safer city life," he stated.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Bashah stated that the BN and PH coalition want to bring about change in Kedah if the people vote for them to govern the state on Aug 12.

"Because of this, we have planned the Greater Alor Setar Aspiration for three parliaments: Alor Setar, Kuala Kedah, and Pokok Sena in the Alor Setar City Council.

"We want to make changes, and that is our promise to the people as a whole, not just to Alor Setar," he explained.

According to Ahmad Bashah, the BN-PH alliance in Kedah has numerous plans and initiatives for the people of Kedah, but it is believed that they would not be achievable without the mandate.

"This time, BN and PH in Kedah have a single manifesto and promise.

"Our promise is not to deceive but to fulfil it in all aspects of development, housing, and so on," he stated.