KUALA LUMPUR: The government must provide the four core needs of the people if it wants to stay in power, says Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
These were sufficient food supply, quality education, job opportunities and a place to live, he said.
"There are four basic needs (that must be met). If the government cannot meet these, we cannot be in power,” he said during a forum at the main Unity Government National Convention at the World Trade Centre here on Sunday (May 14).
The Titiwangsa MP said it was also important for the government to ensure that other basic necessities of the people were maintained, such as efficient highway systems and accessibility to utilities like electricity, water and the Internet.
In terms of the economy, he said it was important to restore investor confidence to bring the country forward.
He said the people are also evaluating the government's ability to lead the country.
“The government cannot do business, but investors and entrepreneurs can. They can create job opportunities, and income for the government through taxes.
"The people's economy and the national economy are closely linked. A government must also be able to bring stability to the country.
"A government must have credibility in the eyes of the people and be competent with experience to administer the country," said the former Cabinet minister.
The convention, the first of its kind, kicked off in the morning with the Women's Convention and Pemuda Puteri (youth) Convention held simultaneously.
The highlight of the convention, themed "Madani: Mengangkat Agenda Rakyat", will be a keynote address by Unity Government Secretariat chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The event will end with the launch of a joint resolution.
