‘Distribute wealth fairly so that country can prosper’

GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad fears that a greater gap in wealth between the rich and poor could lead to chaos in the country.

He said wealth must be distributed fairly among the different races so that the country could prosper.

“Never compare one’s racial identity with people who are rich or poor.

“That is dangerous segregation. We dream big to become a developed country.

“I am confident that if we focus on unity, we can achieve the status of a developed country by 2025.

“Although this is a bit late, it is better than not achieving it at all,” he said, adding that the government was taking the necessary steps to bridge the gap between races.

He was speaking at the statelevel Perhimpunan Perdana Perpaduan 2019 at Dewan Sri Pinang here yesterday.

He said people should be grateful that there were no clashes between the main races, as seen in other parts of the world.

He cited as an example United States President Donald Trump’s plan to build a wall along the US-- Mexico border to prevent the people of south America from entering the US.

Dr Mahathir said people should be thankful that Malaysia was protected from natural disasters such as earthquakes.

“There are typhoons in the east hitting the Philippines, but Malaysia remains safe.

“We were hit by tsunami too, but it was not as bad as what happened in Acheh.

“We must work hard to ensure that the country is safe and work together (among the different races) to develop the country.”

Present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Persatuan Melayu Pulau Pinang president Tan Sri Mohd Yusoff Latiff.

About 20 non-governmental organisations joined the annual gathering.