KOTA BAHARU, July 15 (Bernama) -- Illegal gold mining activities which are
becoming more rampant in the state prove the incapability of the Kelantan
government under the PAS leadership to administer the state.
Kelantan Umno liaison chairman Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said it was
regrettable that Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat himself did
not do anything about it although he was aware of the existence of such
activities.
"The matter should be resolved by the Kelantan government right up to the
grass roots level. The law must be upheld. If the Menteri Besar knows about it,
why did he not take any action. That is the question.
"It certainly shows that the Kelantan government is incapable. We cannot
agree with anyone indulging in corruption. The matter should be handed over to
the authorities (immediately)," he told reporters after opening a conference
here today.
Yesterday, Nik Aziz admitted that he had been aware of the existence of the
illegal gold mining activities for some time.
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MUSTAPA-MINING 2 (LAST) KOTA BAHARU
Nik Aziz also said he had directed his officers to take further action on
the matter.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission was recently reported to have
raided one of the mines operating in the Perasu jungle near Gua Musang and took
statements from those involved.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Director of Land and Mines Datuk Wan Mustapha Wan Ab
Hamid did not rule out the possibility of corruption and gangsterism being
ionvolved in the mining activities.
-- BERNAMA
ZBI/PNAAS/PRMR HK AO