Non-populist actions for long-term good

Posted on 5 May 2014 - 08:02pm

Last updated on 5 May 2014 - 09:01pm

PUTRAJAYA: The federal government can prove that if its proposal to build the Langat 2 water treatment plant in 2009 was accepted, the Klang valley will not have been saddled with the water crisis, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.

The Selangor government's refusal to go along with the proposal had resulted in the water crisis plaguing the Klang Valley of late, he said.

"This is the reality that many people do not appreciate, blaming the federal government for the woes," he said when addressing the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister's Department today.

"Do not look at the short-term difficulties. Do not look from the populist viewpoint because sometimes our considerations must be based on the long-term benefits for the people and country.

"Although in the short term, we might face some difficulties, they are for our own good in the long run."

Citing the water issue as an example, he said the government's short-term measures and actions were rather difficult to execute and non-populist in nature but were aimed at bringing long-term benefits to the people and country.

Najib said the government was always making short and long-term policy considerations in the nation's interest.

"However, there are times when we have to do something that we know are difficult for our own good. In the short term we may face difficulties while certain quarters will twist the facts or plant seeds of hatred against the government."

On the Goods and Services Tax (GST), he said it was a progressive system not meant to burden the people.

The GST awareness campaign would have to be intensified to enlighten the people on its merits and basis, he said.

"We must explain that many people are not paying taxes. As finance minister, I know that many are not paying taxes or are paying less than what they should.

This system is more progressive as it depends on how much our expenses are.

"With steps taken to exclude taxes on essential items, the introduction of the GST will not burden the people." – Bernama