‘IT’S PEOPLE’S WELFARE FIRST’

BN govt ensures aid reaches targeted individuals, groups, says Najib

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday said Barisan Nasional does not adhere to the philosophy of an open capitalist economy, but instead, practises a constructive government intervention concept in managing the economy.

He said such an approach ensured that aid could be provided specifically to targeted individuals and groups.

“If we list down the assistance provided by the government (previously and ongoing), it is obvious that the government always puts people’s welfare first.

“This is our government led by Umno and BN, which does not allow the nation’s economy to continue to grow to the extent that the strong become more successful, the rich become richer and the result is a widening income gap,” he said at the “Jom Bantu Rakyat” (Let’s Help the People) programme in the Bukit Gantang parliamentary constituency here yesterday.

Present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir and Tabung Haji chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim.

Najib said the government had initiated a number of aid programmes to help the people, especially those in the bottom 40 per cent (B40) group.

He cited the “Jom Bantu Rakyat” programme under which new houses were given to two needy households.

“This programme is carried out throughout the country and involves an allocation of RM19 million, of which RM8 million is a contribution from Umno.

“The Federal Government is providing RM4 million and RM7 million is from the Tabung Haji zakat (tithe) funds.”

He said many more needy people would benefit from the programme nationwide.

Najib said the Tabung Haji Foundation provided zakat funds to be distributed to the needy.

“Tabung Haji is not using Tabung Haji funds (people’s money) to help the people as claimed by the opposition but providing aid through zakat funds derived from (Tabung Haji) profits.”

At the event, Najib launched the eighth phase of the village’s street lighting project for Perak that covers 24 parliamentary constituencies.

He said the government had allocated RM250 million to instal 422,133 village streetlights throughout the country.

He announced an allocation of RM1.2 million for the construction of a hall for Taman Mewah Phase 2 and two surau in Bukit Gantang.

BERNAMA PIC Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak signing a plaque outside Saripah Kulup Samat’s (fourth from left) new house during the ‘Jom Bantu Rakyat’ programme in Kampung Pak Dollah, Kamunting, yesterday. With them is Bukit Gantang Umno chief Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal (third from right).