Doubletalk champ Najib: No spending sprees or populist measures for BN

KUALA LUMPUR -- The government would not be able to maintain sustainable economic growth if it had practiced populist policies, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the failure to provide economic growth in the endeavour to gain public support and popularity would make it impossible for the government to channel all assistance continuously.

"It's easy to make promises, but what is more challenging is to ensure that the benefits given to the people do not affect the economy.

"On the contrary, it should ensure that the economy continues to grow while providing long-term benefits to the people. This is the administrative philosophy of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government," he said.

He was addressing the audience at the breaking of the fast with the people of Selangor at the Al-Mustaqim Mosque grounds, Taman Nirwana, here.

Also present was the Prime Minister's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

'Even the mountain can be flattened'

Najib said without practicing populist policies, the BN government could draw up programmes that promoted sustainable and healthy economic growth.

By creating resources and increasing national wealth, numerous contributions could continue to be given to the people, including the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M).

"If we just give, how long can we last? Certainly, it won't be long.

"If we spend without thinking about the resources to increase revenue, even the mountain can be flattened," he said.

Selangor water

With regard to the water issue in Selangor, Najib criticised the state government for not being able to resolve the water problem in Selangor.

"Problems such as this one, the BN government can resolve. The time will come when the people of Selangor can choose a government that can resolve the water issue and the garbage collection problem, as well as bring prosperity to the state," he said.

Cheques worth RM3.45mil and RM100 cash aid

At the function, Najib handed a cheque worth RM2 million for the development of the Al-Mustaqim Mosque to the chairman of the mosque building committee, Datuk Abdul Wahab Adam.

The Prime Minister also presented a cheque worth RM1.45 million for the mosques and suraus throughout Selangor to the state BN coordinator, Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed.

One hundred single mothers and the handicapped received a contribution of RM100 each.

The Prime Minister and wife later joined the approximately 3,500 people present for the breaking of the fast before performing Magrib prayer with the congregation at the Surau Al-Islamiyah, Taman Nirwana.

They later proceeded to the Surau Taman Seri Angsana Hilir, Pandan for Isyak and Tarawih prayers. - BERNAMA