MALACCA: The Barisan Nasional government will continue to have a finger on the pulse of the people in implementing every policy, programme and development project in the country.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said, as a responsible government, all planning carried out, was not merely for political utterances or for facing the general election but also took into account the interest of the future generation.

Referring to the demonstrations in several Middle Eastern countries and North Africa, he said it happened because the people there wanted to change the governments who did not listen to their woes and heartbeat.

"On the other hand in Malaysia, we carry out complete and comprehensive changes through huge transformations for the benefit of the nation and public," he said in his speech during a ceremony to hand over letters of offer for flats in Sungai Putat, Bukit Berendam here, Friday.

During the ceremony, Najib handed letters of offer to 336 would-be residents of the flats, announcing they would be sold at RM35,000 a unit compared to its actual cost of RM148,000 to the roar of applause of those in attendance.

Also present were Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam and Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung.

Commenting further, Najib said the huge transformations were implemented through complete planning with accurate information based on detailed study.

"When they are carried out, we can give an injection to the national development and spur changes which enable the nation to be on a stronger footing compared to previously," he said.

Najib said this was different from the opposition who only sold promises to the people, BN made promises which it could meet.

He drew attention to the fact that the government was not indebted to the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in giving aid to the people such as the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) initiative. "We on the other hand, use the internal strength of our economy to help the people," said Najib who also referred to the recognition by IMF of the management of the national economy, recently.

In the meantime, Najib said the government aspired to increase housing projects, such as the one in Sungai Putat, in the future.

Najib said the government had completed 65,246 houses nationwide to meet the need of the people especially the low-income earners as of Dec 31.

In the same period, the government with the cooperation of the state governments, successfully revived 83 of 167 housing projects all over the country which were declared abandoned since 2009.

The ceremony to hand over the letters of offer was Najib's first event in his one-day visit to Malacca. - Bernama

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