ID :
18429
Mon, 09/08/2008 - 11:17
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/18429
The shortlink copeid
BN'S POLICY LEADERS MUST VISIT VICTIMS OF DISASTERS, SAYS DPM
PEKAN (Malaysia), Sept 8 (Bernama) -- It is a policy of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition that its leaders must visit victims of disasters to determine the type of aid that should be given to them, said Najib Razak.
The Deputy Prime Minister said BN leaders or people's representatives "must be first on the ground" each time a disaster happened to enable them to assess the situation for themselves.
He told this to reporters after chairing Pekan Umno's delegates meeting here Sunday.
Najib was commenting on remarks by state of Selangor Chief Minister, Abdul
Khalid Ibrahim, who defended his action in delaying his visit to victims of
a storm disaster which affected several kampungs in the state recently.
Khalid, an opposition keader had said that it was no point for a leader to
visit a disaster scene without being able to do anything for the
victims.
"That's his view... the people can make their own conclusions.
"But for me, leaders whether at the central or state level must make
it their duty to visit victims of disasters like storms, floods or the like. It
shows we empathise with people unfortunate to be affected by catastrophes," said
Najib.
He said it also helped the bonding process between leaders and
the people.
Meanwhile, commenting on Gerakan party acting president Dr Koh Tsu Koon's
remarks at Selangor Gerakan delegates meeting Sunday that the party
might review its position in the BN, Najib said: "They have not made any
decision to pull out of the BN and we value the contributions of all component
parties in the coalition. Should problems arise, they can be discussed in the BN
spirit and we will be having a meeting of the BN Supreme Council soon."
Asked if the remarks sounded like a threat, Najib said :"I do not view it
such...what is important is that any issue that arises be resolved amicably the
BN way to preserve team spirit and harmony."
Najib later broke fast at a mosque near here and gave alms to the needy
from the mosque district.
-- BERNAMA
The Deputy Prime Minister said BN leaders or people's representatives "must be first on the ground" each time a disaster happened to enable them to assess the situation for themselves.
He told this to reporters after chairing Pekan Umno's delegates meeting here Sunday.
Najib was commenting on remarks by state of Selangor Chief Minister, Abdul
Khalid Ibrahim, who defended his action in delaying his visit to victims of
a storm disaster which affected several kampungs in the state recently.
Khalid, an opposition keader had said that it was no point for a leader to
visit a disaster scene without being able to do anything for the
victims.
"That's his view... the people can make their own conclusions.
"But for me, leaders whether at the central or state level must make
it their duty to visit victims of disasters like storms, floods or the like. It
shows we empathise with people unfortunate to be affected by catastrophes," said
Najib.
He said it also helped the bonding process between leaders and
the people.
Meanwhile, commenting on Gerakan party acting president Dr Koh Tsu Koon's
remarks at Selangor Gerakan delegates meeting Sunday that the party
might review its position in the BN, Najib said: "They have not made any
decision to pull out of the BN and we value the contributions of all component
parties in the coalition. Should problems arise, they can be discussed in the BN
spirit and we will be having a meeting of the BN Supreme Council soon."
Asked if the remarks sounded like a threat, Najib said :"I do not view it
such...what is important is that any issue that arises be resolved amicably the
BN way to preserve team spirit and harmony."
Najib later broke fast at a mosque near here and gave alms to the needy
from the mosque district.
-- BERNAMA
