Transformation Initiatives Based On People's Needs - M'sian Dpm

From Sh Nur Shahrizad Sy Mohamed Sharer PERTH, Dec 10 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's transformation programmes should not be seen merely as government initiatives because these are also something which the people have been wishing for, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said. He said the government took into account the wishes of the people in drawing up the transformation plans to ensure their participation in the country's development process. "All these initiatives will only be successful with the participation of the people, and not seen merely as government initiatives," he told a dinner attended by the Malaysian community here last night. Present were Malaysia's consul-general in Perth, Hamidah Ashari and Perth Umno (United Malays National Organistion) Club chairman Dr Isharudin Mad Isa. Muhyiddin said the government implemented these initiatives as it was confident that the people were becoming more matured and capable of accepting changes compared to the situation ten years ago. "Malaysians now know more about their rights and their priorities in a vibrant democracy; and they are able to take part in the decision-making process for the country," he said. On the other hand, as a responsible government, Muhyiddin said, it should use its power to provide a better life for the people. In fact, he said, all the transformation programmes under the Government Transformation Programme, as set out in the seven National Key Result Areas, had either been achieved or surpassed. The seven NKRAs are reducing crime rate, combating corruption, widening access to affordable and quality education, raising the living standard of the poor, improving infrastructure in rural areas, improving public transport in the medium term and tackling the rising cost of living. "Thank God, all these measures have been implemented and shown tremendous success," he said, adding however that there were many challenges still to be dealt with. Muhyiddin also reminded Malaysians in Australia to take care of the country's good name and to unite and remain steadfast to their cultural values. Earlier, Muhyiddin met 11 student leaders representing Umno clubs in Australia and New Zealand. There are about 20,000 Malaysians in Perth of whom 3,000 are students. The event was the last in Muhyiddin's itinerary for the three-day visit to Canberra and Perth which started on Dec 7. -- BERNAMA