Battle to end poverty

[Dashken]

I don't know about you, but I find this rather FUNNY.

(The Star) - KUALA LUMPUR: A high-powered committee will be set up to carry out the government's efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty among all races by 2010.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in announcing the setting up of the proposed Cabinet sub-committee, said poverty affected people of all races, not just the Indian community.

Addressing a large gathering of Indians who attended the MIC-organised “Special Gathering between Federal Territory MIC members and the Prime Minister” at the Cheras Badminton Stadium here yesterday, he said the Government had succeeded in reducing the poverty level from 60% at the time of Independence to 5.7% at present.

However, he said hardcore poverty was still not completely eliminated.

“As long as there is strength, all of us will work. The Government will work to ensure that no one is left behind, and defend the interests of all races in the country. That's my promise to you ... that we will continue to work.

“We want success. Who likes to see people suffering? We want to see good life, we want to have good life too,” he said to applause from the large crowd.

The 6,000-capacity stadium was packed to the brim, while outside, several thousand more Indians waited. Also present was MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and other MIC top brass.

Abdullah said one way to overcome poverty was through education, explaining that the Government did not want any child to miss out on education because of poverty.

Hence, examination fees and school fees were abolished to provide free education to everyone.

Abdullah, who is the Barisan chairman, said inter-racial relations in the country was generally good although there were occasional problems, but pointed out that unity was evident when the people celebrated festivals together.

He said the Barisan believed in governing through co-operation and consensus, adding that the Cabinet only decided on matters when all present agreed.

“It's not because of the election that I am saying this but because I want you to know the truth – Samy has been fighting for you in the Cabinet,” he stressed.

The Prime Abdullah revealed a conversation he had with a friend before heading to the event. The friend had asked whether he was going to the gathering, saying that he had heard that not many people would come and it would be embarrassing for Abdullah.

“I said that whatever it is, MIC is my friend, Umno's friend and I must come,” he said.

As it turned out, there was a huge turnout and Abdullah said it was the biggest MIC gathering that he had attended.

Source: Malaysia Today: Your source of independent news - Battle to end poverty

[Adrian Wong]

Umm.. After 50 years and numerous "poverty eradication" policies, this is all we can come up with? A committee to eradicate poverty?

IMHO, if the government did not have to rescue the PKFZ project for RM 4.6 BILLION ringgit, we can easily eradicate poverty for 100,000 poor people by giving them at least a soft loan, if not a hand-out, of RM 46,000.

If the government did not have to pay RM 90 million to send a space tourist to space, those 100,000 poor people would have an additional RM 900 per person.

If the government did not have to buy the Russian fighters and French Scorpene submarines at WAY ABOVE market value, we would have many, many more millions to spend on the poor.

If we do away with just those 3-4 misguided government projects, we would have at least RM 5-6 BILLION ringgit to finance REAL poverty eradication policies.

[Trinity]

"misguided government projects"



We got one of those here in the USA.

The war in Iraq....

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by Trinity

"misguided government projects"



We got one of those here in the USA.

The war in Iraq....

Yeah... with no exit plan in sight.

OT : I think the war in Iraq has become a quagmire... hopefully, it doesn't turn into another Vietnam.

[wiiz]

sometimes i wish i'm from brunei, where everybody is rich

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by wiiz

sometimes i wish i'm from brunei, where everybody is rich

The Sultan of Brunei is smart in NOT joining Malaysia.

[bslee]

I've never believed the current administration can fulfill that objective. Even if its possible it'll take maybe another 50 years to do so. Scandals, deep rooted corruption, unaccountability, wrong priorties will not see that objective go through. Its not to be believed..PERIOD!.

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by bslee

I've never believed the current administration can fulfill that objective. Even if its possible it'll take maybe another 50 years to do so. Scandals, deep rooted corruption, unaccountability, wrong priorties will not see that objective go through. Its not to be believed..PERIOD!.

They had 50 years to do it. If they cannot finish the job, I think it's time to let someone else have a go at it.

[ZhengHe]

But who would or could do it? No one rings out as an obvious choice or group to me, or perhaps I'm forgetting something.

[bslee]

Did you all read the news yesterday? Finance Minister can't get his maths right, didn't get his facts right or just a plain lie.
Its said that per capita income was now RM22,345 compared with RM15,819 previously OR Malaysia's per capita income rose by 40% in 2007 compared with 2004.
I weep for Malaysia, full of guillible citizens. Don't even dare to elaborate how to go about reducing poverty. I suppose they'd leave it to takdir and poverty problems will be solved amazingly by itself.. Cheh!..

(N.B. : I ain't talking like I'm some kick-ass opposition party supporter!. I'm just an ordinary mid-aged citizen who's seen & heard enough nonsense from the current regime for the past 50 years. They've overstayed their welcome and WE NEED A WELCOME CHANGE! Folks!.. YOU can make the difference!
Lastly! I CAN'T BE BOUGHT OFF to change my view!!!..not even ANY AMOUNT of $ or material wealth!)