Friday December 1, 2006
Have panel oversee Eastern Corridor growth TANAH MERAH: Kelantan Umno has called for the formation of a transboundary statutory body to oversee the development of the Eastern Corridor. "The body can streamline the implementation process as well as cut red tape," said state Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Annuar Musa. The Eastern Corridor encompasses southern Kelantan, northern Terengganu, western Pahang and Mersing in Johor. Annuar said the body should be entrusted with ensuring balanced development in the large region, but noted that Kelantan might encounter some hiccups as land matters fell under the purview of the PAS-led state government. "This is an unprecedented request there are statutory development bodies but no transboundary ones. We feel it is needed," he added. The state Umno, he said, was worried that although southern Kelantan encompassing Kuala Krai, Machang and Gua Musang was part of the Eastern Corridor, PAS might sabotage plans for development by applying delaying tactics. "Approval from agencies such as the Land and Mines Department or local authorities may take longer than in Terengganu, Pahang and Johor," he told a press conference yesterday.//Thestar
