Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi launched a US$33.5 billion development plan for Malaysia's poor eastern states yesterday as he prepared the ground for national elections.
The East Coast Economic Corridor (ECER) project, drawn up by the national oil company Petronas, is the third in a series of development masterplans rolled out ahead of expected snap polls.
"Now is the turn of east coast states to experience the winds of change," Abdullah told a crowd of more than 10,000 people at the sleepy seaside town of Kuala Terengganu, capital of Terengganu state.
"The government hopes this plan will provide a ray of hope for the lower-income groups, particularly the hard-core poor, to come out of poverty and to enjoy these fruits of development," he said.
There was a distinct feel of electioneering at the launch of the plan, with Terengganu's chief minister Idris Jusoh leading cheers of "Gelombang Biru" or "Blue Wind" -- referring to the ruling coalition's signature color.
Abdullah must call polls by March 2009 but opposition parties are bracing for elections much earlier, saying he is keen to head off growing disenchantment with his administration.
The government said the 12-year ECER plan is designed to create 560,000 new jobs and raise income levels for nearly four million people -- some 15 percent of the population.
It will involve some 227 projects in transportation, infrastructure, tourism, education, manufacturing, the oil and gas industries and agriculture.
The government is to fund 39 percent of the 112-billion-ringgit plan, with another 14 percent coming from government-linked companies, 20 percent from the private sector and 27 percent from public-private partnerships.
The ECER covers about 51 per cent of peninsular Malaysia's land mass, taking in the rural Malay heartland states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the district of Mersing in Johor state.
"The launch of the ECER and its master plan signals a push to accelerate the growth of the eastern region in a viable, equitable and sustainable manner aimed at raising incomes and reducing poverty," a government statement said.
Abdullah launched the ECER in Terengganu state, which along with neighboring Kelantan is expected to form the frontline of national elections tipped to be held by early next year.
Observers say that Abdullah is hoping to capitalize on the trickle-down effect of the three development projects.
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