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KEDAH: From being a one-time Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold, Kedah is now a state that has lost ground with voters and has fallen into the hands of the opposition.
Those who have lived and worked in Kedah under the BN said life has not changed much two months after the state fell to the opposition on March 8.
Eugene Dass, Star City Hotel, said: "In terms of the spending crowd that we have, we have not seen any effect. They have not set any firm restrictions on alcohol or dress code, (so) we are on the positive note.
"We have spoken to them on many occasions and it doesn't seem like that's where they want to go. They are not imposing such a rule, in fact, they are very supportive."
And the new Kedah team is all for close ties with the federal government.
N Gobalakrishnan, Member of Parliament, Parti Keadilan Rakyat, said: "The people have given the mandate to the state government and it is the responsibility of the state government to work with the federal government.
"If these leaders have the people in mind, the cooperation and interaction should not have any problem. I am sure they would be able to work it out."
The present government in Kedah is treading on a very thin victory margin of 22 seats out of a state assembly comprising 36 seats. But the present chief minister is confident that the present coalition government will hold on and bring about much development to the Northern state.
Uztaz Azizan Abdul Razak, chief minister of Kedah, said: "As long as our people don't 'cross over' to other people, I think we can do it, unless we do something very bad, we don't know what will happen tomorrow."
Mr Azizan knows very well that his government's performance is being closely watched, and he wants to lead by example.
"I openly told the people – whoever wants to deal with me on the economy, I only deal on the counter, not under the counter. You can come to see me. If I can do it, I'll do it. If I cannot, I'll say I can't," he said.
Mukhriz Mahathir, Member of Parliament in Kedah and UMNO Youth Exco Member, said: "It all depends on how well PAS runs this state. They have said that they will be following the Kelantan model, which is interesting because Kelantan never got developed in the 18 years under PAS rule. It will be interesting to see how they do that.
"On the other hand, we too will have to get our act together. Firstly, perform as an effective opposition in the state and secondly, in my case and three other MPs for Kedah, to actually do a lot of good in our own constituencies."
Elected representatives from UMNO and component parties hope that in five years' time when the next general election comes around, their work would be seen as proof that Kedah still needs a Barisan Nasional state government.
- CNA/so
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