BATU PAHAT, March 5 – Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin(Pic) today said the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) would be a sustainable people’s aid institution in looking after the welfare of the low-income group. Speaking at a gathering with the ‘rakyat’ in Sungai Suloh, here, he said the aid proved that the Barisan Nasional (BN) government had been managing the country’s finances well, which thus countered the opposition’s claim that the
country would go bankrupt by giving out such aid.
“There was BR1M and now 2.0, and there will be BR1M 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 if BN continues to govern the country. We (BN) manage our funds well so that we can assist the people where possible,” he said at the event which was also attended by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman and Batu Pahat MP Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi.
Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister, said the country’s capability in managing its finances since 56 years ago was recognised by other countries, and this was opposed to the opposition’s financial management like abolishing tolls
and study loans and reducing oil price.
“But the government has actually reduced the (oil) price; has given subsidy, RM24 billion annually. Anwar (opposition leader) has said that if he becomes prime minister, he would further reduce the price, taking from Petronas because Petronas is rich. But, if you take all from Petronas, it’s like killing the goose with the golden eggs. If everyday, you take the eggs, all will be gone eventually,” he said.
Muhyiddin said the government had managed to keep developing the country since independence, including reducing the number of hardcore poor households. He said the situation in the country was also good without going through war, famine or political instability like in some Middle Eastern countries.
“The people should therefore maintain unity and uphold the policies practised by BN as these are good policies, he added. Touching on the armed intrusion in Lahad Datu, Muhyiddin said it was something unexpected and the government would end it soon.
“InsyaAllah (God willing), we will overcome it as we don’t such moments or matters to threaten our lives. We must keep up all efforts done and what is important is for BN to continue working at ensuring a peaceful life for the people,” he said.
The deputy prime minister also urged the people to continuing to pray for the situation in Lahad Datu to return to normal.
On the flood situation in Sungai Suloh, he said the river would be deepened in stages with an initial allocation of RM4 million.
BERNAMA
