KUALA LUMPUR: A wide range of financial aid for the poor, persons with disabilities and schoolchildren has been introduced since the Madani government took over the reins, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Whether it is STR (Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah), aid for the poor, assistance for persons with disabilities, or support for children attending school, these forms of aid have been increased at levels which have never been recorded before,” the Prime Minister said.
He said other steps were support for schools and healthcare, and implementing autism awareness programmes.
Addressing a town hall session to mark the government’s second anniversary, Anwar said it was too early to evaluate the government’s performance just after two years of ruling the country.
However, he said that political stability, clear policies and the commitment of the civil service had contributed to a stable government.
“This stability is due to the cooperation of the nation’s leadership,” he added.
As for the effectiveness of government policies, Anwar said this was due to the commitment and determination of civil servants who had shown their readiness to implement reforms.
“Programmes are being put into action in a far more efficient manner now,” he added.
Anwar also said that the four Opposition-led states – Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis – have received higher royalties than under the previous government.
The Federal Government, he said, had always approved requests for funds such as when floods happened in Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu.
“We approved more than RM2mil,” he added.
However, Anwar said sometimes financial aid does not trickle down to the people due to politics.
He said he had urged all state leaders, including mentris besar from Opposition-led states, to put aside their political differences and ensure smooth cooperation between the federal and state governments for the benefit of the people.
Anwar added that ministers had also been told to visit the states and hold discussions with the mentris besar there.
“The issue of cooperation is very clear. If the state adopts a positive stance, then it will make things easier. But if the state takes on a hostile approach, it will complicate matters,” he said.
