Palanivel breaks silence over criticism

Cameron Highlands MP Datuk Seri G. Palanivel said it was wrong for anyone to accuse him of doing nothing in addressing the numerous mud flood and landslide incidents in his constituency.

In rebutting the concern and criticism by the Pahang Ruler on Wednesday, Palanivel defended himself in a Facebook post yesterday and said that he had raised Cameron Highlands problems several times to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as well in the cabinet meetings.

He said he had also raised the issue many times in his capacity as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment.

“To say I have done nothing about this problem is wrong. As MP of Cameron Highlands since May 2013, I have been to Cameron many times. I have met at least 75 residents affected by flood and donated RM1,000 each in view of the catastrophe," he said.

He said he had also requested funding from the federal government for the Ringlet river mitigation works.

Palanivel said pointing fingers and blaming each other will not solve the issue in Cameron Highlands and called on all to pay serious attention to the matter.

"Many things had already happened even before I was elected as MP. But I am sure we can rehabilitate Cameron Highlands and stop the massive environmental degradation that has happened,” he said.

Palanivel also said that he is ready to offer explanations to the Pahang Sultan.

“I have a good relationship with the Sultan and the Palace and I will explain everything to His Highness; both the good and bad.

“I am certain the Sultan's concern for the land and its Rakyat is genuine and his heart is always on their welfare. Let us all realize that we are equal stakeholders and work to save Cameron Highlands,” he said.

Yesterday, several local dailies reported that the Pahang Sultan was unhappy with Palanivel’s inaction, despite the occurrence of such incidents in the past.

“What has he done? Nothing…The people suffer mentally and physically when such incidents happen. The people voted him in but is this how he repays them?” the Ruler had said.

Sultan Ahmad Shah reminded Palanivel to fulfill his obligation to the people who voted him during the 13th general election or risk losing their votes in the next election.

“I am embarrassed over this incident. Tell your minister to give importance to his constituency and do something about this quickly. I am serious about this,” he added.