ALOR STAR: Langkawi Member of Parliament Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah vowed to continue Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's legacy in developing the tourism island.
However, Suhaimi, who is also the state Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) chairman, opted not to say much on his shocking victory against the former premier.
"I have full respect for Tun as ever. I do not wish to say anything that might offend him," he told the New Straits Times.
Suhaimi was responding to Dr Mahathir's remarks on the latter's disastrous defeat in the 15th General Election (GE15) held in November.
In the GE15, Dr Mahathir lost the Langkawi parliamentary seat after securing only 4,566 votes.
Suhaimi, who contested under Perikatan Nasional ticket, won the seat by a vote-majority of 13,518 in a five-cornered fight.
"My focus now is to continue Tun's legacy in developing Langkawi in my best capacity as the MP," he said.
Suhaimi acknowledged that he could not promise to bring immediate changes as compared to what Dr Mahathir had done when the latter was serving as the prime minister.
"My focus now is to rejuvenate Langkawi tourism sector which was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"It is very crucial to get all the stakeholders back on their feet because Langkawi economy depends heavily on the tourism sector," he said.
Suhaimi added that his immediate priority since assuming the MP post was to boost inbound travellers to Langkawi.
"I have been engaging passenger ferry operators to Langkawi and we wish to increase the frequency to attract domestic travellers.
"At the same time, we need to boost inbound direct flights to the island since foreign visitors also contribute significantly to the island tourism sector," he said.
On this note, Suhaimi thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for approving a RM15 million allocation for upgrading works of ferry passenger jetties in Kuah and Pulau Tuba in Langkawi.
The allocation was channelled through the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) in December.
Suhaimi said he hoped that the federal government would continue supporting Langkawi as its tourism sector contributes directly to duties and taxes collected by the federal government.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/877003/mohd-suhaimi-promises-carry-dr-mahathirs-legacy-develop-langkawi
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024
Created by savemalaysia | Mar 28, 2024