‘Private sector should help address living cost issue’

THE private sector should play its part in helping the Government address the rising cost of living, said Wanita Umno chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

“The high cost of living is among the issues faced by the people. We support all the Government’s initiatives and incentives to help the people.

“But we urge the private sector not to wash their hands off this,” she said in her winding-up speech at the Umno general assembly.

Sharizat suggested that private sector employers reduce the hiring of unskilled foreign workers and replace them with locals with higher wages.

“This will in turn help to generate higher income for the people,” she said, adding that Wanita Umno through its over 20,000 branches nationwide was involved in monitoring the prices of goods.

In another development, Melaka Umno chairman Datuk Seri Idris Haron said this year’s general assembly had instilled a winning mentality among party members who were ready for the coming general election.

Idris who is also Melaka Chief Minister, said it all members were responsible for ensuring a landslide victory for Barisan Nasional.

Idris said Umno had been around for 60 years and had brought the country to great heights.

“Malaysians should not risk their future with other parties that have no direction.

“Umno and Barisan have a good performance record in defending the people and this is supported by facts and figures,” he added.

Idris pointed out that three elements were vital to guarantee a win for Barisan – no finger pointing, no blame game and everyone must go to the ground with a winning mentality.

He also said members should not be complacent or overconfident, especially in the current political scenario.