Lim pushes for needs-based policies, says it's the 'right thing' to do

Ensuring that the poor, regardless of race, benefit from needs-based policies is the right thing to do for the government, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng said today.

Speaking at a press conference after delivering his policy speech at the DAP National Conference, Lim said Pakatan Harapan should look to shaping a better future for all Malaysians instead of securing short-term political gains. 

"There is no point of becoming the government if you don't dare to do the right things.

"That's why we must implement policies which benefit the next generation, and not the next general election," he said.

"We need to give our commitment that if you are poor, it doesn't matter if you are Chinese, Malay, Indian or Kadazan. 

"We don't deny that the majority of Malays need help. But, that doesn't mean that they are no poor Indians and Chinese that need help," he added, stressing that no Malaysians would oppose assistance to the needy, regardless of race.

At the same time, however, Lim pointed out that Harapan must continue some of the race-based policies introduced under the previous administration, such as with racial quotas in the matriculation programme.

"We must do something better than the previous government, if not better. At least we are not worse off," he added.

Lim, the finance minister, also said that Putrajaya is encouraging the private sector to help create more jobs and drive the country's economy.

A total of 969 delegates attended today's DAP National Conference, which was held at the Shah Alam Ideal Convention Centre. - Mkini