Political Leadership in Policy Implementation: Case Study of Rural Transport Accessibility in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

Politics plays a major role in every aspect of the government development plan. Kelantan is an interesting case in understanding the different political leadership involved in the implementation process. This study reports how politics influenced the development of rural transport accessibility in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. In-depth interviews were conducted among 33 respondents; 13 policymakers from the federal, state and local level and 20 villagers covering all the three sub-districts in Kuala Krai, Kelantan, Malaysia. The findings were presented based on the emerging themes emerged from the analysis. The findings confirmed that politics is the primary mover in formulating and implementing any transport accessibility plan in the study area. The findings also provided ultimate insights for policymakers at multiple decision-making level involved in formulating and implementing for an accessible rural transport system for the rural communities.