PUTRAJAYA: Civil servants should explain government policies and programmes to the people so that they are clear as to what is being done for them, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said while much has been done, especially to ease the people’s burden in facing the high cost of living, detractors claim that this government has done little.
“It is normal for politicians to be criticised, but it is not right to say that the government does not understand and is not concerned (about the people).
“We have rolled out plans and programmes, although our critics claim otherwise.
“I am asking you (civil servants) to help explain government policies. Present facts to the people,” he said at the Prime Minister’s Department monthly gathering here yesterday.
Anwar said while the government remains committed to reducing excesses, it will continue to provide assistance to the people through targeted subsidies and financial aid.
Citing Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah as one of the initiatives, the Prime Minister said the allocation for this programme has been increased to RM10bil where each eligible family will get about RM3,700 for the year.
The programme benefits nine million people or 60% of the country’s adult population, he said, adding that allocation for eligible singles has also been increased to RM500 per person.
“These are just some of the things that we have done, so it is not right to say that the government has not done anything,” he said.
On the cost of living, Anwar said the current prices of essential items such as chicken, eggs and cooking oil remain stable and low compared with several years back.
