Is Najib joking? BN govt practises principle of "sense of belonging and togetherness"

GEORGE TOWN - The Barisan Nasional government practises the principle of "sense of belonging and sense of togetherness" to enhance inter-racial harmony in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said by being steadfast to this principle, Malaysians of all races could move forward as one nation, one people and with a singular vision.

"We need the support of all races, Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazan, Iban, Orang Asli and various other ethnic groups. If all of us can move forward as one people, one nation with one vision, God willing, we will be able to achieve what we hope for.

"This is not a pipe dream, not being delirious, but a sweet dream that can become a reality if we forge ahead with the sense of belonging and sense of togetherness," he said.

Najib said this when opening a Chinese New Year open house organised by Barisan here Tuesday.

Also present were Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who is also the Penang Barisan chairman, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Penang Gerakan chairman Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan and Penang Umno chief Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Othman.

Najib said in line with this principle, the Government had introduced various forms of aid and allocations for the people irrespective of race, among them the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) aid scheme whereby RM500 is given to each household where the monthly income is less than RM3,000, RM100 aid for each school student and the 1Malaysia People's Housing Project (PRIMA).

"We are able to do this because our economy is strong. It (economy) is not dictated by the vagaries of the market, because if this was the case, it would only be the rich who will benefit.

"That is why the BR1M aid scheme is a history maker," he said.

The Prime Minister also said the Government did not borrow from any party, whether local or abroad, to provide aid for the people and this was possible because of good fiscal management.

He also gave the assurance that the RM500 aid was given without any ulterior motives and that the Inland Revenue Board would not be going after those who received it.

"This RM500 aid is sincerely given...whether you want to accept it or not does not matter, but I am confident that the people who need it will take it, and coincidentally, it is being given in conjunction with the Chinese New Year," he said.

Najib said apart from this, the people also got to enjoy investing in the Skim Amanah Rakyat 1Malaysia trust fund.

"It is given based on need and investors borrowing from banks will enjoy profit of RM50 a month and after five years earn a return of RM5,000.

"There is no scheme like this in other countries...this is because we have promised to help the people," he said.

He further stressed that as the ruling government, Barisan would continue to work hard and with full commitment to ensure that the welfare of Malaysians would be looked after and that Malaysia became a developed country. - Bernama