PM: RM600 B IS PROOF GOVT CARES
‘Stimulus packages, 2021 Budget show protecting people, country from crises is govt’s key priority’
THE multi-billion-ringgit allocations set aside to implement the various economic stimulus packages and the 2021 Budget is proof that protecting the people and the country from the health and economic crises brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic is the government’s key priority.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government under his leadership had allocated RM340 billion for economic stimulus packages this year and last year, as well as RM322.5 billion for the 2021 Budget to battle Covid-19 and revitalise the economy.
He said although the allocations had affected the nation’s coffers, the measures in the economic stimulus packages and 2021 Budget were important to protect the lives and livelihoods.
“More than RM600 billion is a big sum of money.
“Although we no longer have as much (funds) as before, it is important to better manage the lives and livelihoods of the people (amid the pandemic).
“This (allocation) cuts across communities, be they Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Kadazan, Iban or other races and religions. This is because this is a country for all.”
Muhyiddin was speaking at a high-tea programme at the Gurdwara Sahib in Lorong Utara (B) here yesterday in conjunction with the Vaisakhi celebration today.
Present were Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, Malaysian Gurdwaras Council president Jagir Singh, Khalsa Diwan Malaysia president Santokh Singh, Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia president Harjinder Singh and Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya president Dalbir Singh.
Muhyiddin said he hoped the Sikh community in the country would continue to support the government by becoming “frontliners” to battle Covid-19 and help Malaysia overcome challenges.
He said it was imperative for the people, irrespective of race and religion, to embrace the uniqueness of the country that has helped it progress and transform into a prosperous nation.
He said although Islam was the religion of the federation, people of all races and religions were free to practise their faiths, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution, which would continue to be defended and upheld by the PN administration.
He said the policy embraced by the PN government was strongly founded on the principles of respect, inclusivity and justice.
“The Vaisakhi celebration is also a symbol of diversity that is celebrated among people from multiracial and multi-religious backgrounds in our country.
“For example, I am a Muslim who is here together with the rest of you from the Sikh community. We are all brothers and sisters together under this beautiful country of Malaysia,” he said.
He said the government recognised the contributions of the Sikh community to the country’s development.
“The Sikh community has contributed significantly to the development of the country across various fields, be it economic, social or other sectors, such as education, security and sports.”
Muhyiddin announced a RM3 million allocation to help gurdwaras nationwide conduct programmes and activities this year. Last year, the government allocated RM2.18 million for 120 gurdwaras nationwide.
He also announced an allocation of RM1 million for the setting up of a Sikh Centre of Malaysia.
“I am aware the amount is not enough.
“I am sure there are generous people here who love and will spend for the community.
“The next time I come, maybe two or three years down the line, I will be able to visit the Sikh Centre of Malaysia that will also serve as a centre of culture and language apart from religion.”