Projects for poor to go on

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/30/nation/21106577&sec=nation
nesday April 30, 2008
Projects for poor to go on


KUALA LUMPUR: Projects under the 9th Malaysia Plan meant to uplift the poor will
be implemented and any reduction in allocation will only involve mega projects
and infrastructure which are not urgently needed, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

?It has been decided such projects will not be stopped and cannot be put aside.
In fact, the financial allocations will favour projects able to provide the
poor, especially those from rural areas, with a lifeline to improve their living
conditions,? he said.

Abdullah, who chaired the Barisan Nasional supreme council meeting last night,
also said the mid-term review of the 9th Malaysia Plan allocation would also
look into providing allocation for rural development and to uplift the lives of
those living in estates.

He said more allocations would be provided for the interior of Sabah and Sarawak
to address the lack of water and electricity supplies in the two states as
quickly as possible.

?It is important that those in the deep interior also enjoy such infrastructure
as those in the towns and cities, including having schools,? he said, adding
that he had given assurance to Barisan component parties that these would be
paid attention to in the mid-term review.

?While we want to carry out what we have set out to do we also have to consider
that prices of things and building material have risen so we have to adjust our
allocations.?

To a question, Abdullah said he did not think the development corridor projects
would be affected, as they were long-term projects.

?For the time being for the first or two years we definitely have enough money
and the projects will not be affected,? he said, adding that the situation later
would be evaluated.

Asked if the projects postponed would increase in their cost more when the
Government decides to continue carrying them out, he acknowledged that this
might happen.

He added that at the meeting last night, all Barisan component party leaders
assured him that none of their MPs would be crossing over to the Opposition.

Earlier, Abdullah had chaired the inflation committee and deliberated on ways to
ensure continued supply of goods at reasonable prices.

He said the committee also viewed seriously the increased price of oil to US$120
(RM384) per barrel.

?This creates a huge implication to us and we need to find the necessary
response,? he said.


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