Perikatan Nasional will focus on recalibrating economic policies that will represent all races in Selangor in its election campaign in Selangor, says Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.
Azmin, who is leading the charge for Perikatan in the state, said the coalition will be addressing issues pertaining to economic policies, the environment and the cost of living for Selangor, which comprises various races and religions.
He was asked what the main campaign theme would be as Perikatan has been using Malay rights and Islam in the east coast states to win support.
“It is our conviction that Selangor, in many ways, is a microcosm of Malaysia, representing all races and religions. We have decided to focus on economic matters and, of course, the cost of living, which is very important for all Selangoreans,” he said during a talk at the Concorde Club forum here yesterday.
The Concorde Club, led by Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, is an informal group of editors and senior journalists who regularly meet with politicians and key policymakers.
Previous guests of the Concorde Club, included Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Anthony Loke and Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Azmin, who is a former Selangor mentri besar, said Perikatan would also be focusing on providing business opportunities and high-quality job creation, especially for the youth in the state.
“We need Selangor to remain as the economic powerhouse, not only for the country but also in the region, by attracting huge investments through foreign direct investments and domestic direct investments.
“It is also important for Selangor not to be overly dependent on foreign workers. We will focus on attracting high-quality investments into the state that can create jobs for the youth and all Selangoreans,” added the former international trade and industry minister.
The other issue that Perikatan will be focusing on during the state election is on the environment as well as climate change.
“These issues are important for Selangor voters, and Perikatan is committed to that. We want to ensure all of our developments in the state are sustainable, and at the same time, we will protect the environment,” he said.
On a separate matter, Azmin brushed aside the fear of the notion of the “green wave” often associated with Perikatan, claiming that it is currently used by certain political personalities and groups to spook voters with the idea of Islamisation that the coalition is championing.
“As we have mentioned on many occasions and statements, this is a scare tactic by certain personalities and groups to scare away the voters, especially the non-Malays, to shy away from Perikatan.
“For certain political leaders to utter those remarks, it is unfair and uncalled for.
“We are committed to policies that will represent and benefit all Malaysians,” he said.
Citing an example, the economic stimulus packages introduced under the Perikatan government during the Covid-19 pandemic had benefited all races.
“Our policies transcend races and religion, and we will continue to adopt a similar approach in Selangor,” said Azmin.