Anwar Ibrahim said the government wants to completely eradicate hardcore poverty in the country which he described as disgraceful for a country which is rich in resources such as oil and gas.
The prime minister said among the states that still recorded high levels of hardcore poverty are Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah.
"Without exception, we will make sure that this problem of hardcore poverty will be dealt with properly and in Kedah, through the Madani unity government’s programmes to reduce the number of hardcore poor in the state.
"I have asked the entire machinery of the federal government, state government and of the local councils to help.
“It’s humiliating for a country that has enormous resources such as oil and gas, palm oil and various industries (but) cannot solve the basic problem of hardcore poverty in our country," he said.
Anwar said this when speaking to thank the Kedah ruler, Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah for gracing the Malaysia Madani Open House today.
Meanwhile, Anwar said Kedah is a state that is given focus by the federal government with more expenditure allocation amounting to RM1.6 billion for this year compared to the previous year.
He also said the amount does not include several other measures such as aid for poor schools and clinics - as well as several water supply projects in several districts in Kedah.
"Recently when I went to China there was a proposal to expand investment in Kulim Hi-Tech Park and for the people’s information, I assured our full cooperation to speed up the process.
"God willing, with the cooperation of the state government and local authorities, this will be able to drive more meaningful growth in Kedah," he said.
Besides, the prime minister said that there are several other applications for Kedah which will be considered and stressed that the government will continue to protect the fate of the people, including in the states that are not together in the unity government.
Anwar said the government through the recently presented Madani Budget, has also increased assistance for rice farmers which is the highest recorded compared to the allocation in the previous year.
He also said the allocations announced in the budget showed the country has the ability to ensure that all parties agree to manage the country's economy and bring investments and expenditures focused on the people’s interests.
Getting rid of graft
"That is why we must focus on management and governance. Malaysia can become a prosperous country, a successful country, an excellent country, and a Madani nation, if only we can manage the country well.
“And this will require us rejecting the scourge of corruption as well as abuse of power and use government machinery to protect people’s welfare and maintain harmony in multiracial Malaysia," he said.
Commenting on today's open house celebration, Anwar said it was the first time a large-scale event was held with the people, attended not only by ministers but also by many ambassadors and high commissioners, most of whom were outside of Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
"This event is for the people to be together with the leadership and to express the appreciation of the government to the people and strengthen ties between us regardless of race, party (politics) or religion.
"This is the strength of the Malaysian society, for us to continue to grow as a Madani country which can be catalysed through several programmes and also drive meaningful growth with the solidarity of the people," he said.
The presence of Sultan Sallehuddin at the occasion also enlivens the celebration.
The function was also attended by two Deputy Prime Ministers - Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail,Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil as well as other ministers.
- Bernama
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