Kedah leaders slam Teresa Kok over call to make Langkawi a Federal Territory

Kedah politicians from across the political divide have taken aim at Seputeh MP Teresa Kok for suggesting that Langkawi be administered as a federal territory, following her claim that the Pas-led state government’s conservative policies have deterred international tourist arrivals.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor hit back, telling the DAP lawmaker she would have to “cross the bodies of Kedahans first before taking over Langkawi”, while Kedah Umno condemned Teresa’s proposal as “insensitive and offensive” to the people of the state.

“That is their intention — to create a negative perception of Langkawi. They have not even set foot in Langkawi; they simply listen to what others claim. That’s why she accuses our policies in Kedah of being conservative. Which parts are conservative?

“Did she believe visitors must wear kain batik (sarong) before they can come to Langkawi? Everybody can visit Langkawi,” Sanusi told Twentytwo13.

During a debate session in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday, Kok alleged that Pas’ conservative policies had affected the tourism sector, with growing numbers of foreign tourists opting for other destinations in the region.

“Since Langkawi is part of the state of Kedah, Pas’ conservative policies have indeed impacted the arrival of foreign tourists. Many foreign holidaymakers who wish to visit an island destination are now choosing islands in Thailand instead of Langkawi,” she said.

Kok argued it was time for the Federal Government to consider taking over the administration of Langkawi.

“So I feel the time may have come for the Federal Government to take over Langkawi and designate it as a federal territory, so its tourism sector can be further developed.

“I hope the Federal Government will consider this proposal and begin formulating a strategy to take over Langkawi and develop it as a key tourist destination to attract more foreign visitors and further advance the island,” she said during the debate.

Her remarks were made in response to Sanusi’s announcement on Monday that the Kedah state government was appointing a legal team to seek RM100 million in royalty payment for the Penang lease, which has not been reviewed since 1786.  Kok claimed Kedah was attempting to “take over” neighbouring Penang.

Commenting further, Sanusi referred to news reports in September quoting the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), an agency under the Finance Ministry.

Lada’s Tourism Manager, Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari, had stated that Langkawi recorded more than two million visitors in the first eight months of this year, compared with 1.9 million during the same period last year.

Lada was established in 1990 under an Act of Parliament to develop and promote Langkawi as an international tourism destination. Its board is currently co-chaired by Sanusi, as Kedah Menteri Besar, and Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah, representing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Sanusi added: “Lada reported that visitor arrivals have increased, but she (Kok) claims that nobody is visiting Langkawi. Is she blind? Over Kedahans’ bodies first before even thinking of taking over Langkawi. Twenty-five international flights arrive in Langkawi daily. Is she implying that Lada, a federal agency, is lying?”

Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid criticised Kok’s remarks, saying they showed “a lack of respect for the state ruler, who reigns over the state’s territories and its people”.

“She should be more mindful and sensitive about the matters she raises, regardless of the platform, even within the Dewan Rakyat, where she enjoys parliamentary immunity,” Mahdzir said in a statement yesterday.

The former Kedah Menteri Besar said Kok should issue a public apology for hurting the feelings of Kedahans and stressed there was no issue with Langkawi’s development.

“Langkawi already has a federal agency responsible for its development — the Langkawi Development Authority — which simply needs its role strengthened to fully realise the island’s potential. There is no need for Langkawi to be completely taken over by the Federal Government,” he added.

Former Kedah Tourism executive councillor under the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government, Datuk Mohd Rawi Abdul Hamid, warned against using Langkawi as a political pawn.

“As seasoned politicians, they should be wiser when speaking on matters concerning states with rulers. They should choose their words carefully and ensure they have the correct facts and data first.

“Langkawi is a national tourism asset that generates billions of ringgit in revenue for the Federal Government through tourism receipts. We should refrain from tarnishing its image, as this would have ripple effects on the national tourism sector — not just Langkawi,” he said when contacted by Twentytwo13.

Mohd Rawi, who is also the former Ayer Hangat assemblyman, said it was unbecoming for politicians to sensationalise tourism matters to score political mileage.

“We should learn from Thailand. They are always united in promoting their tourism industry internationally, regardless of which political coalition leads the federal government. Have we ever heard Thai politicians condemning their own tourism products, even when state and federal governments differ politically?

“The same goes for Indonesia. We have never heard Joko Widodo’s administration make damaging remarks about Bali, although they were from different political coalitions. We should stop playing too much politics,” he said.

Meanwhile, Langkawi tourism stakeholders called on politicians to keep the island out of political disputes.

“Stop dragging Langkawi into political polemics. We already have Lada — a federal agency overseeing Langkawi’s development, including the tourism industry.

“Lada has been doing its job here. So where is the logic in making Langkawi a federal territory?” asked Langkawi Homestay Association chairman, Mokhtar Shabudin Ismail.

Langkawi Business Association adviser Datuk Alexander Isaac echoed Mokhtar’s sentiment.

“There is no place for politics in tourism. Politicians should focus on governing, rather than raising irrelevant and unproductive issues that do not benefit the public,” Issac told Twentytwo13.

“Who governs is not the question; what we need is good governance. Langkawi is doing well with Lada and the state government. They each have clear responsibilities. All parties are working towards the same goal — improving tourism and sustainably upgrading our infrastructure,” he added.