Unity Government programmes to eradicate absolute poverty - PM

ALOR SETAR - The issue of absolute poverty in Kedah will be dealt with through Unity Government programmes held throughout the state.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has sought cooperation from the entire machinery of the federal government, state government and municipal councils to work together in solving the issue.

"It is humiliating when a country with great pontential and rich in resources such as oil and gas, palm oil and various industries still fails to solve the basic problem of severe poverty in the country," he said at Malaysia Madani Open House with the Prime Minister at Hotel Raia, near here, today.

Sultan Kedah Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah also attended the open house.

Also present were Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as well as Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

Anwar said another issue in Kedah that the government is paying attention to is the fate of rice farmers.

"That is why for the first time in history, we had increased the allocation for aid to rice farmers this year, setting a record of an amount that had never been given before including to rubber smallholders and fishermen.

"The amount announced in the recent Madani budget shows that we, together, have the ability to manage the national economy, bring investment and ensure that the budget is focusing on the people's interest," he said.

Anwar also said good governance that rejects corruption and abuse of power can uplift Malaysia into a prosperous, successful and excellent country.