Malaysia - PM: Social safety net better than welfare state

KLANG: The Government will continue its policy of providing a social safety net for all Malaysians as opposed to the creation of a welfare state to prevent serious economic problems in the future, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said countries practising the welfare state concept had run into serious economic problems.

“That is why the Government adopts a policy that provides a social safety net although we are not a welfare state,” he said in his speech at a Chinese New Year gathering of the disabled, senior citizens and less fortunate at the Klang Hokkien Association here yesterday.

As such, he said the Government was inclined towards providing a social safety net via public-private partnership where the Government and private sector worked together for the well-being of the rakyat, particularly the less fortunate.

“It is through this way that we will be able to create a fair and just society that is balanced in the distribution of its wealth,” he said.

Aid provided through this concept, he added, was in line with the 1Malaysia spirit where those in need were helped irrespective of race.

He cited the event at the association as a good example of the public-private partnership where ang pow for the less fortunate was contributed by the private sector.

In BANTING, Najib said the Government's transformation plans were not dreams that would vanish in the long run but visions that were achievable with the people's support.

“I believe we can transform this nation if each and everyone of us supports the Government's transformation plans because changes are inevitable in our era.

“Do not let this chance to support the government slip away. Let's together work and create a developed nation by the year 2020,” he told a crowd of more than 100,000 people at the FGS Dong Zen temple in conjunction with the Chap Goh Mei festival here last night.

On national unity, Najib said Malaysians should practise moderation among themselves and avoid negative elements.

“Like this function, you see the Buddhist practising moderation in their religion like respecting one another, hence, making this gathering possible,” he said.

The event held at the famous Buddhist temple was organised with the assistance of Selangor MCA.

Also present at the ceremony were the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Health Minister and MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Liow Tiong Lai, Selangor MCA chief Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai and state Umno liaison chief Datuk Seri Noh Omar.

MARTIN CARVALHO and A. RUBAN

The Star

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