Millionaire philathropist and businessman, 85-year-old Koon Yew Yin, predicted that Pakatan Harapan would win Perak.
On 4 May, he wrote to several newspapers, describing the inept Umno-Baru/BN state government, under Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
He also took a photo at a BN ceramah near the Jalam Meru mosqui, Jelapang in Ipoh and said that only 10% of the few hundred seats, were occupied.
He criticised the BN state government, which he said, caused Perak’s socio-economic situation to go from bad to worse.
Perak is the second poorest state after Kelantan
“The latest government owned Khazanah Research Centre report shows that Perak is now the second poorest state after Kelantan Darul Naim.
“This may appear shocking and unbelievable. After all, in the past, Perak has always been one the richest states in the country.
“But it is true. The Prime Minister’s statistics department figure shows that 2/3 of the people in Perak earn less than RM5,000 per month and the state household income is less than the national average income.
“The pathetic state of affair is made worse by the fact that according to the 10th Malaysia Plan, Perak is now the state with most number of poor families.
“122,000 households in Perak earned less than RM2380.00 per month and they comprised 12.2% of the national record. This poverty figure is even worse than Sabah & Sarawak.”
Koon said that the data and statistics painted a miserable picture of the BN state government.
No job opportunities for the young
He added “When I speak with fellow ordinary Perakians, they complain that decent jobs opportunities in Perak have dried up and are so scarce that most of the youth are forced to leave the silver state in order to earn a living.
“It is a damning indictment of Dr Zambry’s administration that many have been forced to leave their family and hometown to pursue a living in Klang valley, Penang, Singapore or other countries.
“The latest National Migration report reinforces my critique.
“The report notes that Perak is the state which has suffered the most brain drain in our country. According to it, 9800 people left the state in 2016 and plan not to return if no positive changes are made in the foreseeable future. What a shame.”
Zambry’s incompetence and the issues with MB Inc
He blamed the former BN state government of Dr Zambry for incompetence, lack of transparency and accountability.
“It is shocking to see that Perak Menteri Besar Incorporated, (MB Inc) has failed to table their audited account in the state assembly for more than 5 years since 2012.
“In other countries, such a scandal would have resulted in the sacking of the Chief Minister but not in Perak.
“Recently it was revealed in parliament that the state government had allocated a 50 acre piece of land located on ex mining pond to build the new hospital in Kampar.”
Perak is a laughing stock
“Such incompetency has made Perak a laughing stock. As a result of the state government’s stupid mistake, the health ministry was forced to cancel the RM150 million hospital project as the cost to fill up the ex mining pond is clearly too expensive. Obviously the people of Kampar have been cheated once again.”
He also added the promise by former Zambry’s BN government to build a new hospital at Sri and “special economic zone” for Kamunting and Kampar were empty promises made during election time.”
Dr Nizar a proven leader
The businessman praised former Menteri Besar, Ir Nizar bin Jamaluddin who had proved himself during his short stint as MB, that he is an open minded, progressive & a professional leader.
“In addition, DAP Perak is led by chairman Nga Kor Ming who is very pragmatic and dynamic.
“Many do not realize Pakatan HARAPAN in Perak has one of the most solid and cohesive coalitions compared to other states. They have a secretariat, conduct regular meetings and do planning together.”
Koon is confident that Pakatan can help revive and revitalize Perak, and re-establish Perak’s former glory as the richest state in Malaysia.
Has the Perak Royality has any hand in it? He is a Learnt Man and how he would have allowed to happened?