Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution opens service centre, denies Padang Serai seat

KULIM, Jan 15 — Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has clarified that opening a People's Service Centre in Padang Serai does not indicate his candidacy for that parliamentary seat.

He explained the centre aims to facilitate access to federal government assistance for people in southern Kedah.

"No, that is too early (to determine the seat)," he told a press conference after the centre's opening ceremony.

"As I said earlier as the joint chairman of the State Development Action Council (MTPN) I have an office in Kedah but there (Alor Setar), here in southern Kedah so it is easier for the people to access."

Saifuddin Nasution, who is also Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, said his electoral plans remain open.

"I may contest, I may not. It may be here, it may be somewhere else."

He previously held the Kulim-Bandar Baharu seat but lost it in the 15th general election.

As chairman of the Kedah PKR State Leadership Council, he said the party will streamline its work this year to be an effective state opposition.

He said PH representatives in Kedah must provide solutions, not just criticise the state government.

"It's different at the centre, in Kedah we are the opposition."

"After three years as the joint chairman of MTPN Kedah, I can monitor the achievement of the federal government’s projects, if there is a problem that involves the state government, we will convey it."