KUALA LUMPUR – The unity government must address and solve four core needs of the people if it wishes to remain in power, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Johari Abd Ghani.
During a forum at the unity government convention, Johari said the four basic requirements were access to food supplies, quality education, job opportunities, and homes.
“What do the people want? There are only four basic needs (that must be met). If the government cannot meet these, we cannot be in power,” he said during a forum session here today.
The Titiwangsa MP added that the home factor branches out to more necessities such as efficient highway systems and accessibility to utilities – electricity, water, and the internet.
Johari categorised these basic public needs under the “people’s economy”, one of two perspectives besides the national economy.
“In terms of the national economy, we need the ability to bring in investments from both within and outside the nation.
“The government cannot do business, but investors and entrepreneurs can. They can create job opportunities, and income for the government through taxes,” he said, explaining that the income can help the government meet the people’s aforementioned needs.
To achieve both economies, Johari said the government must ensure it can provide political stability, as well as integrity and competency in the eyes of the people.
Govt efforts may seem small, but have big spillover
Speaking about the government’s various Rahmah initiatives, Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said although the efforts may seem inconsequential, they create a snowball effect that significantly benefits the people.
“A person who (does groceries) with the Rahmah initiative could save about RM20-RM25,” he said during the forum.
“It may seem small (to some people), but I have never doubted that spillovers from this programme can be something like ‘the light at the end of the tunnel’.
“(The programme) directly helps the people and can be translated in realistic terms without high economic philosophies,” he added.
Regarding the Rahmah initiative’s sustainability, Salahuddin expressed gratitude to participating businesses for their philanthropic efforts to accommodate the lower-income communities.
“Some ask whether (Rahmah) is sustainable, can it be maintained?
“I answer humbly that the strength of this initiative is supported by industry players who are willing to help,” he said. – Bernama, May 14, 2023
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