GOVERNMENT WILL HONOUR PLEDGES IN STATE ELECTION - DPM

BETONG (Sarawak, Malaysia), July 11 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin has again reiterated that the Federal Government would honour all promises made to the state in the recent state election.

"We will fulfill all promises and pledges made by Prime Minister Najib Razak, me and all cabinet ministers.

"These promises and pledges are to develop the state infrastructures and its economic sector.

"As a matter of fact, the cabinet has appointed Natural Resources and Environment Minister Douglas Uggah Embas to go through the list," he told about 3,000 people attending this year's national-level Gawai Dayak 'open house' at Rh. Wilson Begat anak Bakir in Penom, Ulu Paku in here Monday.

Muhyiddin also said a roadshow to explain and promote the government's recent initiatives such as 'Government Transformation Programme' (GTP) and the country's 'Economic Tranformation Programme' (ETP) would be held nationwide.

He said the objectives of these initiatives could be achieved with the people's unity which would ensure peace and security.

Meanwhile, he said it was embarrasing for the country over the existence of a small group which had poor regard for the laws, constitution, King and the majority of Malaysians who wanted peace.

"They wanted a fair and clean election but the fact remains that in the recent state election, the opposition managed to win 16 seats and the Barisan Nasional, 55, which speaks for itself," noted Muhyiddin.

On the Gawai Dayak festival, Muhyiddin said it was not just a mere
celebration based on belief or religion but one that was enjoyed by all
Malaysians, which also enriched its cultural diversity.

He also agreed with Information, Communication and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim's earlier suggestion that traditional longhouses aged 50 and above, be declared national heritage buildings.

"However, longhouse chiefs and the inhabitants must first agree to the suggestion," he said.

Meanwhile, the deputy prime minister announced the approval of a RM350,000 (US$116,317) fund for the construction of the SIB church in Betong, and another sum of RM4.5 million (US$1.5 million) for a conservation and breeding programme involving the 'terubok' fish at five locations.

He also announced that 900 1Malaysia netbooks would be distributed to deserving students in the Betong parliamentary constituency.
-- BERNAMA