Azizan insists on RM100 million compensation

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Razak demanded the federal government to pay up the RM100 million compensation or the state will continue cutting down trees.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, however, described the demand as irrational and a threat to the people.

He said this is because the money forked out by the federal government is the people’s money.

Mukhriz added that there was no written deal between the federal government and the state regarding the compensation.

“The deal should be in written form and involve two people signing it. One cannot be holding on to a promise made orally. And another thing, he was never involved in the discussion,” said Mukhriz who is also the MP for Jerlun.

He said even if the matter is brought to court, it will surely fail because there was no written deal.

Azizan on Wednesday insisted that the state will continue with its timber activities in forest reserves if the federal government refuses to pay the compensation.

The claim was made following a promise made by Tun Dr Mahathir when he was the Prime Minister to compensate the state.