‘Govt will give back more to the people’

PENDANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has assured the people that more focus will be given to enhance their wellbeing if Barisan Nasional (BN) is given a stronger mandate in the 14th General Election (GE14).

He said BN was committed to distributing more wealth to the people, as part of its policy to strengthen the economy and ensure that the welfare of the people was secured.

He said the pledge to enhance the people’s wellbeing was possible based on the confidence shown by international rating agencies in the country’s development.

“We are on the right track to record a steady economic growth of between 5.5 and 5.8 per cent this year, based on the favourable projection by international rating agencies.

“For example, the World Bank revised our economic growth to a higher rate three times last year, and again this year.

“The international rating agencies also expressed confidence that if BN won with a bigger majority, our economy will grow stronger.”

Najib said this at the launch of the RM210 million Pendang Hospital project here yesterday.

Present were Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya and Pendang member of parliament Datuk Othman Abdul.

Najib said the projections were clear indications that the country was on the right track to secure a steady economic growth, which would translate into higher revenue.

“When the government records higher revenue, we can give back more to the people.

“When I flipped through the government’s financial report, the global crude oil price is increasing, our Goods and Services Tax collection has increased and the corporate tax collection is growing. So, I decided that it is time for the government to give back even more to the people.

“That is why when I launched the BN manifesto, I announced that the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) will be increased by 100 per cent from RM400 to RM800 this June.

“We are also introducing a new category for those with a monthly household income of between RM4,000 and RM5,000, who will receive RM700.

“The government has been giving so many things back to the people and we are committed to giving back even more when we record higher revenue.”

Najib said the BN manifesto, themed “Bersama BN Hebatkan Negaraku” (With BN for a Greater Malaysia), was inclusive and vital for a better Malaysia.

“When I said inclusive, I meant everyone in the country will benefit from the manifesto.

“This is what the opposition is lacking. For example, in Selangor, PKR gets undi (votes) but the people get baldi (pail),” he said, referring to the recent water crisis in the state.

Najib said with sound economic management, the government was able to record steady revenue which, in turn, would be utilised to develop infrastructure projects for the people’s benefit.

“I am aware that the people in Pendang had been waiting a long time for this hospital project.

“And, as a reward for their patience, the government has decided that the initial plan of this 36-bed hospital will be revised to a bigger one, with 126 beds and offering specialist services,” he said.