Mega initiative: Ahmad Zahid speaking at the Karnival Mega 3 Dimensi (MK3D) press conference at the Parliament Building, Kuala Lumpur. MK3D is an initiative to unite entrepreneurship programmes under one holistic platform. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: The People’s Well-being Initiative (Sejahtera Madani) needs strong follow-through to ensure its success in eradicating urban poverty, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
While the initiative is a positive development, he said it must be followed through with comprehensive actions to ensure lasting impact for those in need.
“As often said, we cannot just give a man a fish – we must give him a fishing rod so that he can catch fish on his own.
“In other words, the programme must be long-term and include joint monitoring by the private sector, government-linked companies, government-linked investment companies and other bodies. This is a good approach,” he told the media after the launch of the initiative by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim here yesterday as reported by Bernama.
Ahmad Zahid said the Sejahtera Madani Fund, which has raised nearly RM120mil, covers not only financial aid but also goods, services and training.
He said the initiative is a commendable effort coordinated by the Implementation Coordination Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department.
Sejahtera Madani is a national initiative aimed at assisting poor and hardcore poor households registered under the National Poverty Database (eKasih system).
The initiative brings together various forms of aid interventions across ministries, agencies and the private sector to eradicate poverty in a focused and integrated manner.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said Sejahtera Madani is a national initiative specifically designed to assist poor and hardcore poor households.
He said such programmes are in line with the Fifth Core of the Public Service Reform Agenda, which is to strengthen synergy between the public and private sectors, particularly involving corporate bodies such as government-linked companies, government-linked investment companies, companies limited by guarantee and statutory bodies.
“The implementation chain of such programmes must continue to be strengthened, in line with the whole-of-nation approach that emphasises the spirit of unity and consensus, in accordance with the principle of ihsan, which underpins the Madani values,” he said.
