"Poverty Eradication Policy Is For All Races" Says Pak Lah. Is This True?

The government's poverty eradication policy and efforts to help the disadvantaged are not racially-biased, said Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The prime minister said there were those who tried to mislead the people by claiming that the government was being selective in aid distribution.

"They try to take advantage of the situation by creating confusion among the public. This is pathetic. We want to help the people and not make things difficult for them," he said after presenting Aidilfitri contributions to the needy at an event organised by the Yayasan Budi Penyayang here.

Abdullah said Malaysians should make it a habit to extend assistance to others irrespective of the racial background of the recipients. This, he said, could already be seen during the various religious festivals where people of different faiths would hand out contributions among each other.

The prime minister said the generosity of Malaysians was also evident during calamities such as floods or when people became ill.

"Tourists love to come to our country because they like the friendly attitude of Malaysians. But we'd also like them to see Malaysians as a hardworking and charitable lot," he said.

A total of 350 poor residents received the Aidilfitri contributions while 150 students bound for institutions of higher learning received study aid.

***** There is no doubt that apart from some congenitally stingy bastards, Malaysians are generally a thoughtful, friendly and generous lot. The problem is whether the government is equally generous to all irrespective of racial origin. That is the million ringgit question, and frankly there would be few takers for the PM's assurance, as sincere as it may be. Government policies and practices over the past forty years don't give much hope or encouragement even for those who desperately want to believe Pak Lah.

Almost every non-Malay family will have a sad story or two, about how they have been deprived of jobs, promotions and university places. And the hardcore poor among non-bumis are still suffering from extreme poverty without any form of official help. Uncaring and racist civil servants have no time, inclination or the heart to help out fellow human beings. Every issue and situation is coloured by race and matlamat kerajaan.
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