Dr M: Awards only for those who serve nation
LANGKAWI: Awards will only be given to those who serve the nation, not for individuals who only support leaders in power, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
According to Bernama, the Prime Minister said the conferring of honours should not be taken lightly – as was the case under the previous Barisan Nasional government.
“When Najib was in power, everyone got rewarded for supporting him,” he said, referring to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“We (Pakatan Harapan government) won’t. We will give to those who truly deserve it,” he told reporters here yesterday.
The Star reported that in an unprecedented move, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong would not be conferring titles during his official birthday celebration on Sept 9.
The report, quoting royal sources, stated that Sultan Muhammad V had made his decision known to the Prime Minister’s Office and to fellow Sultans.
The report also stated that while it was not known why the King decided not to bestow any decorations or medals this time around, it was generally felt that the honours list was “unusually long” last year.
The number of recipients then totalled 1,518.
Dr Mahathir said that he did not know the reason for the King’s decision but felt it “could be because at this time we do not know who to give”.
Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir slammed Umno Youth for saying that the government made a bad decision in not continuing with the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
He explained that the decision was taken after considering the country’s present financial situation.
“We do not have the money because money was stolen by certain people; that is why we cannot pay for it.
“If Umno Youth can come up with RM55bil, we can proceed with the ECRL,” he said.
Dr Mahathir, who is Langkawi MP, was here to visit flood victims in Kuala Teriang.
He said that the government would provide funds to rebuild the homes of residents affected by Thursday’s floods.
“We will provide the funding for
the repairs so that the residents can return to their homes,” he said after visiting the victims who were placed at SK Kuala Teriang.
According to the Civil Defence Force, 49 homes had been severely damaged with 207 victims sheltered in the school.
At an event later that night, Dr Mahathir said the government will work towards finding ways to enrich the people through education so they will be multi-talented in work and competent in business.
“If any of them are facing difficulty to start due to lack of capital, we will assist those in need,” he added.
If Umno Youth can come up with RM55bil, we can proceed with the ECRL. Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad