GOVT'S REFORM AGENDA IS A POLITICAL CONVICTION TO HELP THE PEOPLE - ANWAR

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- The reform agenda currently implemented by the MADANI Government is a political conviction to help the people in need regardless of their political background, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Taking the example of the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), he said the government provided as much as RM10 billion this year compared to RM8 billion last year, which benefited nine million people to ease their burden.

"(Besides) for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), we increased fivefold from RM130 million last year to RM700 million, (while) aid for school students, from Year One to Form Five, all Malay, Chinese and Indian students, including in Sabah and Sarawak will receive from the 2024 allocation amounting to RM800 million," he said.

Anwar, who is also PKR President, said this while delivering the Presidential Message in conjunction with PKR's 25th Annual Convention, at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), here, today.

He said the government also takes care of the welfare of civil servants through a review of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA) with recommendations for improvement which will be announced on May 1.

According to the Prime Minister, this is reason why the government implemented the Central Database Hub (PADU) system to help the government provide assistance to those who deserve it.

"This is what is called reform. I want to advise my friends who are a bit cynical about reform, to understand the benefit of this reform to reach the poor, farm workers, fishermen in villages, Malay smallholders, Indians in estates, civil servants effectively," he said.

After the special convention, the highlight of PKR's Silver Jubilee celebration will be held on May 11, at the 25th Anniversary of Keadailan Night programme at Sentul Depot, Kuala Lumpur.

The celebration is scheduled to last the whole day culminating with the President's Message

-- BERNAMA