Monday February 4, 2008

Abdullah promises to consider needs of all Malaysians

By R.S.N. MURALI

newsdesk@thestar.com.my

HULU TERENGGANU: There will be equitable distribution of opportunities for professionals, quality services and wealth to all Malaysians regardless of race or creed.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said not a single race would be left behind in the nation’s mainstream development.

“This is our principle all this while. The Government will not abandon, sideline or not provide opportunities to any one race. We take into consideration the needs of all Malaysians,” he said after the groundbreaking ceremony of a polytechnic at Kuala Jeneris, Hulu Temelong, yesterday.

Abdullah said the Government was being positive in hearing the demands from various communities on their rights and opportunities.

“As long as their demands are reasonable and genuine, we will see how to execute the right steps (to meet them),” he said.

He said the needs of communities were looked at in a wide spectrum.

“Whether it is Chinese, Malays or Indians, they have their own needs and we will look into them,” he said.

Abdullah also echoed the statement of his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who said the future of Malaysian Indians is with Barisan Nasional during an event in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Earlier, Abdullah said Terengganu folk should continue to support Barisan to ensure that the momentum of development in the state does not come to a halt.

He said Terengganu had seen a paradigm shift in development and this should not end abruptly with a change in state government.

“Previously under PAS rule, development came to almost a standstill but now the locals can see myriad projects being carried out,” he said.

“This momentum should continue and move further; there are more proposed projects from the Federal Government to be implemented here.”

Abdullah used the analogy of a huge wheel that needs to spin regularly to describe the current development in Terengganu.

“There is now a heavy wheel moving at rapid speed and if suddenly it comes to a stop, it would surely take time to have this wheel move again,” he said.

Abdullah also praised Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh for his charismatic leadership and his ability to bring vast changes and educational excellence in Terengganu.

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