KUALA LUMPUR - Umno has called on the government to prioritise the welfare of civil servants and the security forces, addressing issues such as teachers' workload and the employment of contract doctors.
Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the fate of these groups, particularly in terms of housing and protecting their workers' rights, must be safeguarded.
He also highlighted the need for improved national health services in the post-pandemic era.
"Umno also urges the government to expedite the construction of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR), which was initiated during the tenure of the sixth prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, but later reviewed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and subsequently canceled by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
"Insya-Allah, we are confident that the project can be completed under the leadership of the 10th Prime Minister," he stated in his policy speech at the 2023 Umno General Assembly (PAU) held at Dewan Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur World Trade Center (WTCKL), today.
Also present was Pakatan Harapan chairman and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Commenting further, Zahid stressed that Umno wants the completion of the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) and Pan Borneo Project to benefit the people of Sabah and Sarawak, as these facilities could serve as catalysts for newly developed areas, generating income for the economy, creating job opportunities, and developing small enterprises.
He urged the government to introduce the Felda 5.0 plan, which would focus on providing quality education, entrepreneurial opportunities, access to technology, appropriate skills, and comfortable housing for the new generation of Felda settlers.
"The government also needs to ensure the economy and national wealth can be distributed together, especially with rural communities.
"Through the urbanisation process, the government must introduce strategic industries to stimulate the economic growth of the rural areas.
"These measures will reflect our effort in eradicating poverty among people living in the rural areas," he said.