MELAKA: With Christmas goodwill programmes set to take place, the Chief Minister has urged the state government to use the festive season to strengthen unity.
Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh (pic) said state executive councillors and assemblymen should engage the grassroots and explain the state government’s development efforts.
He said that charity initiatives during the festive season should go beyond ceremonial outreach and be accompanied by clearer communication on policies, development programmes and the economy.
“This year, a total of 200 needy individuals from the Christian community received RM200 each, with an overall allocation of RM40,000, to ensure a more joyful celebration as well as to ease their burdens.
“Let us start from this festive season to explain the initiatives undertaken by the state government to improve the people’s standard of living and attract various investments into the state,” he said after visiting a senior citizen’s home in Bukit Baru here yesterday.
Ab Rauf noted that during his engagements with locals, some had questioned whether the increasing number of programmes and events was linked to the state election expected in 2027.
“Wherever I go, people say these programmes are being organised because an election is due.
“I tell them to look at our record since 2021 and see the progress that we have brought to the state.”
Ab Rauf said state executive councillors and assemblymen must present facts to the people, particularly on the state’s achievements in tourism growth, development and foreign investment.
“Today, Melaka is not only attracting major automobile investments from China but is also receiving foreign direct investments from Japan, the United States and India,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ab Rauf said that maintaining the state’s social cohesion is crucial.
“I want to emphasise this state has been a melting pot of various ethnicities since the time of the Melaka Sultanate and we always work towards upholding our harmonious living.”
He said this was why the importance of unity was raised during the winding-up of the Melaka Budget session on Dec 10.
Ab Rauf said the state government would remain focused on strengthening governance, boosting state revenue and improving service delivery.
“The welfare of the people, regardless of race, religion or political affiliation will continue to form the foundation of the state’s development agenda.
“This inclusive spirit shapes a strong, harmonious and stable Melaka.”
