IPOH - The Malaysia Madani concept must emphasise community balance in its development to ensure growth is felt by all walks of life.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the landmark of a society’s development should not only be tall buildings but also balance between the upper class and the rest of the people.
"Between all the homes, fancy restaurants and the people’s clean and beautiful stalls, there are greeneries and parks for the people,” he said.
He said so when officiating the 2023 National Landscape Day (HLN2023) at Taman DR Seenivasagam here on Saturday.
Also present were Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming and Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.
The Prime Minister said the measures must begin from the local authorities of each state to ensure it encompasses all people regardless of race.
"I gave an example in Kuala Lumpur, several (development) projects such as Twin Towers, KL Towers, while its stalls still seem to be from the 50s.
"I don’t want Malaysia to become an example of having the tallest buildings, longest bridges and biggest buildings, but its people are suffering,” he said.
He reminded all mayors and local council chairmen throughout the nation to re-examine their development plans to ensure balance.
Anwar said the government will ensure the country’s development concept continues to improve while the people’s rights and importance were kept.
"There will be no single individual who can take away the rights of the people and feel they can get away with it. I will make sure it doesn't happen. Give the government a chance to clean this country of major robbers and focus towards the people’s interests,” he said.