SG4 Risks It All For The States Involved Due to Mahathir’s Involvement

Mahathir Mohamad's involvement in Kelantan has long been fraught with controversy, casting a shadow over his legacy and raising doubts about his true intentions concerning the state's development. Despite his towering influence in Malaysian politics, his actions toward Kelantan, particularly during his tenure as Prime Minister, reflect a pattern of political retribution and neglect that has left the state economically disadvantaged.

One of the most glaring examples of Mahathir's punitive approach is his refusal to grant Kelantan its rightful oil royalties. This decision, rooted in political antagonism toward PAS, the ruling party in the state, denied Kelantan crucial financial resources. Many see this as a vindictive political manoeuvre aimed at weakening the opposition's hold on the state. Further exacerbating Kelantan’s challenges, Mahathir’s administration cancelled a major loan intended to upgrade the state's water supply, leaving the region unable to provide clean water to its residents.

To add insult to injury, Mahathir publicly mocked Kelantan's water crisis, famously quipping that turning on a tap in the state would yield "teh tarik" instead of water. This ridicule highlighted his administration's failure to address Kelantan's basic needs and underscored how political vendettas were prioritised over the welfare of its people.

The controversial Pergau Dam project, which was intended to supply electricity and improve water access in Kelantan, further tarnished Mahathir’s legacy in the state. Allegations of corruption and cronyism plagued the project, as Mahathir’s government awarded the contract to a UK-based company without a competitive bidding process. Despite the dam’s potential to solve Kelantan’s water problems, the state still struggles with poor water quality and inadequate infrastructure, raising serious questions about the transparency and ethics of Mahathir's approach to development.

Now, with Mahathir appointed as an unofficial adviser to the State Government 4 (SG4) Group, a newly formed initiative aimed at boosting the economies of opposition-led states like Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis, many remain sceptical. Critics argue that Mahathir’s involvement is more about consolidating political support for Perikatan Nasional than addressing these states' economic challenges. His presence in SG4, they claim, is driven by political motives rather than a genuine desire to uplift the region.

SG4, established in September 2023, aims to address the economic disparities between opposition-controlled states and those aligned with the federal government. Kelantan, Kedah, Perlis, and Terengganu have historically lagged behind in infrastructure and growth. Official data from 2021 shows these states ranking among the lowest in gross domestic product per capita. SG4’s focus on harnessing natural resources like rare earth deposits, critical to high-tech industries, offers potential for future growth. Yet, critics worry that the initiative could become entangled in partisan politics, undermining its long-term viability.

The irony of Mahathir's involvement in SG4 is not lost on many, especially given his past role in under developing Kelantan and Terengganu. During his time as Prime Minister, his political opposition to PAS resulted in deliberate economic neglect, depriving these states of crucial funding and resources. His return in an advisory capacity raises concerns about whether his involvement is motivated by political gain rather than a sincere commitment to rectify past wrongs.

Mahathir's history of political manipulation in Kelantan and Terengganu casts a long shadow over his current role in shaping these states’ futures. For many residents, his return is viewed not as an opportunity for real development but as a continuation of the same political gamesmanship that has left their states behind for decades.

Amidst the political brinkmanship, the people of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, and Perlis are left to suffer while their ruling politicians seem more concerned with consolidating power than addressing the real issues at hand.