GOVERNMENT DOING EVERYTHING FOR THE PEOPLE, NOT CERTAIN GROUPS

MUAR (Malaysia), May 2 (Bernama) -- The government will continue to do
everything for the sake of the people and not that of certain groups, said
Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said the government was aware that it was elected by the people and as
such must strive to meet their needs.

"Since the people determined the government, we have to ensure that no
groups feel that they are marginalised," he said at a function to celebrate his
appointment as deputy prime minister, in this southern town Saturday.

This is Muhyiddin's first trip home here since his appointment as Deputy
Prime Minister and Education Minister.

The deputy United Malays National Organisation (Umno) president and Pagoh
Umno chief said the days when the government knows best has ended as the people
know what they want.

He said meeting the needs of the people was in line with the "1Malaysia"
concept of "People First, Performance Now" introduced by Prime Minister Najib
Razak.

Muhyiddin said Malaysians irrespective of race and religion, rich or poor
have a place in the country and would be treated equally by the government.

He said the government would ensure that the welfare of the people was taken
care of despite the economic slowdown.

It would also ensure that the inflation rate remained low and that the
people's income would not be badly affected.

"We will ensure that the economic slowdown does not become a disaster for
Malaysia. This is not easy but the government will strive to achieve it for the
sake of the people," he added.
-- BERNAMA