A good relationship between the people and Government is vital

PORT DICKSON, SEREMBAN, Oct 6 (Press Release) -- The Government is committed and has put firmly in place targets to ensure the people’s lives are improved, but these can only be fulfilled if it has the full backing of the people for its efforts.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the Government’s dedication in addressing problems faced by the people is reflected in the six national key result areas (KRAs) emcompassing public transport, crime, corruption, rural infrastructure, the living standard of the poor and education.

”A good relationship between the people and Government is vital otherwise the Government’s objectives for the people’s benefit cannot be fulfilled. The

Government is made up of leaders of caliber, who have the people at heart and welfare of the people in mind,” he added.

He said this when speaking to the people of Kg Baru Si Rusa Bagan Pinang when witnessing the exchange of documents between Sirim Bhd and the village committee (JKKK) to cooperate in developing Hydrostone products for tourism in Port Dickson, on Monday.

Also at the event was Tan Sri Mohd Isa Samad who is Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Bagan Pinang by-election set for October 11. Dr Ongkili was also accompanied on his walkabout by Parti Bersatu Sabah leaders.

Dr Ongkili added that PBS, of which he is deputy president, was in the Opposition from 1994 but returned to the Barisan Nasional fold in 2002 because the leaders realised that Sabah can only have development if it is part of the federal Government.

”Although we had strong grassroot support but we felt that unity is important. Moreover, with leaders such as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak the Barisan government is visionary and efficient.

”We now see a leap in progress in Sabah year by year. Because of the good relations we have, the Prime Minister has even agreed that for Malaysia to achieve Vision 2020, states such as Sabah and Sarawak have to catch with the rest in development,” he said, adding that the Government’s KRAs can be a national effort if the people stood firmly behind the Government.

The cooperation between Sirim Bhd and the village committee involves Sirim Bhd providing technical assistance, advise and technological expertise to the local community in the production of ceramic decorative and creative items made of Plaster of Paris.

Dr Ongkili added that the ministry’s main task was not only to spur development of technologies but to bring them to the people in order for the people to benefit from the technologies.

”Although the global economy is shrinking, the Government has not slowed down its effort to find new economic sectors which the rural communities can participate in based on the local activities and resources available,” he said.