'What more can I do,' Ku Nan asks on FT campaign trail

As Minister of the Federal Territories, Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said he constantly asks himself what he can do for the people living there.

While he tries to do whatever he can whenever his assistance is required, he said he has those around him to thank.

"I don't know what else I can do for you, whatever you require, whatever you need.

"As minister of the Federal Territories, I'm thankful to God I have a good chief secretary, mayor (and) good officers on the ground that are willing to assist me in order to provide comfort to the rakyat.

"Without them, I won't be able to do the things that I intend to do," he said.

Tengku Adnan was addressing some 2,000 people at the Federal Territories 1Malaysia festivities for the Wangsa Maju parliamentary constituency, held in conjunction with Federal Territory Day in Danau Kota, Setapak last night.

Danau Kota is under the Wangsa Maju parliamentary seat, a federal constituency.

According to Tengku Adnan's estimate, 15,000 people attended the event.

Guests well fed

Those present had plenty of food to choose from, with queues from various stalls continuing to remain long even late into the night. Guests were also entertained with various performances and lucky draw sessions.

In his speech, Wangsa Maju Umno division chief Mohd Shafei Abdullah described how requests by Danau Kota Flat residents, such as new paint jobs, elevators and road repairs, had been approved by Tengku Adnan without much thought.

Shafei said this was the same case for other areas in Wangsa Maju.

"(Tengku Adnan) told me that he did not know what else he could do for the Federal Territories.

"I'm not trying to apple polish, but the reality is that ever since he became the Federal Territories minister, he has always approved the things that were requested.

"I hope the people of Wangsa Maju would realise how lucky they are to be under BN," he said.

'Let your fingers do the talking'

Shafei ended his speech by saying they were not asking the people of Wangsa Maju to build their own elevators, parking areas or paint houses.

"We're not asking for that. That's our job. Your job is to help us to help you.

"It's not difficult to help (us), it doesn't require money. Just use your fingers. What's important is during raya besar (the general election), use your golden fingers to vote for BN," he said.

Tengku Adnan later maintained, however, that individuals have the right to vote for whomever they want.

"But I would like to remind you that whatever you are enjoying now is the result of continued efforts by the BN government, which prioritises the people in everything."

Citing the country's improved economy in 2018, Tengku Adnan urged those in attendance to continue supporting the incumbent government to ensure that the country "continues to be peaceful and prosperous."

Emphasising the country's stability and security, as well as unity in diversity, Tengku Adnan cautioned the people against listening to "nonsense" propagated by certain quarters.

"This is all slander created to confuse the people. So I plead that you do not get manipulated easily by irresponsible quarters.

"Don't spread fake news and half-truths. Let's only spread current news," he said.

'MP not seen'

Noting that some were referring to Shafei as a "yang berhormat" (honorific conferred upon parliamentarians), Tengku Adnan said this could become a reality if Wangsa Maju voters were to give him their vote.

"You do not see the face of the parliamentarian here at all. He doesn't assist you, we are the ones who assist you.

"Shafei is the one who comes to me to ask for this and that. We care for the rakyat. BN is for a better nation," he added.

PKR's Dr Tan Kee Kwong is the current Wangsa Maju MP. Tan defeated Shafei in the last general election with a 5,511-vote majority.

According to locals at least, the claims made by Tengku Adnan and Shafei do not appear to be empty talk.

Most of the Danau Kota Flat tenants who spoke to Malaysiakini had only praise for the federal government.

While housewife Sara Alias, 43, admitted that their requests do not usually get addressed immediately, she has witnessed various developments in the area since living there in 2003.

Sara (photo) also corroborated Tengku Adnan's claim that Tan "has never been seen" in the area.

"They will only come when it's election time. Until now we have never seen any programmes implemented by the (opposition), like they promised," she said.

Mohamad Nawi, 52, also said that it was apparent how Shafei was the one who had given more assistance.

"Currently, I can say that the mood is more favourable for the federal government.

"For most of the people here, issues such as the increase in price of petrol would be forgotten when assistance comes," said the trader who has been living in the area for 12 years.

Like the others, Ng Guan Bee (photo) also said Tan has never been seen in the area.

"I can only see BN's presence. They conduct ceramah and various programmes, such as giving school uniforms and bags.

"(The opposition) will only comes when it's time to vote, and won't come once they have won," said the 60-year-old factory worker.

Malaysiakini has contacted Tan and is awaiting his response on the matter.

'Nobody is perfect'

As Tengku Adnan ended his speech last night, he once again urged the people to give their support to BN, stressing there was no government that could ensure that all the rakyat's needs are met.

"Yes, I can tell you we are not a perfect government, (but) no human being is perfect.

"It's the same thing with the government and our party. But our leadership today under Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is willing to listen, is willing to correct, is willing to change and move forward. This is important for the people in the Federal Territories.

"Let's support the existing government. If you give us a strong government, we will give more for you," he added.- Mkini