Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor says it is not true that the government is not concerned about the plight of flood victims. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, December 25, 2014.New Year's Eve celebrations in Putrajaya have been cancelled in light of the severe floods that have affected five states, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor announced today.
The Umno secretary-general also said party leaders have been told to assist the government's flood relief efforts.
Tengku Adnan defended Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who has come under criticism for holidaying in Hawaii during this time, saying the prime minister was concerned over the flood situation.
"I read all sort of things on blogs, (asking) why we don't bother.
"Some say PM does not bother, ministers don't bother... all this is propaganda and slander," he said at a press conference at the ministry's Christmas open house today.
He said social media users and the electronic media should not “spin things”.
Tengku Adnan also said the cost for holding the New Year's Eve celebrations was borne by Ambank Group, and not by the government.
He said he would discuss with Ambank Group chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim on whether the RM3 million for the New Year celebrations could be channeled to flood relief efforts instead.
He also urged organisers of a protest to demand reduction of fuel price, planned on New Year's eve at Dataran Merdeka, to be cancelled, saying the government knew how to tackle the issue.
"I hope they don't do it. We know how to solve problems.
"Our leaders discuss with leaders from abroad, on economic situation that we face, how to overcome it.
"This is a world phenomenon, not only Malaysia, the whole world is facing the same thing like us."
Earlier today, the Sultan of Perak ordered all entertainment programmes in the state to usher in 2015 to be cancelled.
Sultan Nazrin Shah also instructed mosques in the state to hold special prayers after Friday prayers tomorrow.
In Terengganu, among the worst hit by the floods, the state government cancelled New Year eve festivities to focus on relief efforts.
"As such, the government has ordered the cancellation of all scheduled entertainment programmes and New Year eve festivities," said deputy state secretary (management) Samiun Salleh, as quoted by Bernama.
- TMI
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.