|
PUTRAJAYA: The government is reviewing projects with "smaller multiplier effects" so that the financial allocations could be used instead for economic development and other measures which would bring greater benefit to the people.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said: "During the recent executive council meeting of the National Economic Council, we discussed several projects with lumpy expenditures that should be reviewed. "However, we will leave this to (be identified by) the relevant ministries, particularly the Defence Ministry and the Home Ministry. "They should discuss this and whether we should postpone the implementation or carry out extended payments." Najib, who is also finance minister, was speaking after the Malay Chamber of Commerce's Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre last night. On the purchase of helicopters Eurocopter, he said: "We will discuss with the Defence Ministry the most suitable methods (to be adopted) in view of the dire need for the force. "Many Nuri (helicopters) have crashed and many officers have died. That was why the international tender was called to replace the Nuri. We should not forget the safety of our military personnel and passengers of Nuri helicopters. This should be considered in any decision we make." Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had announced earlier yesterday that the purchase of the 12 Eurocopter helicopters had been postponed until the economic situation improved. Najib also clarified a Bloomberg TV Bloomberg Voices report which quoted him as saying that elements of the National Economic Policy would be removed. "I want to explain that although the NEP has been replaced with the National Development Policy, there are still many elements reflecting the spirit of the NEP like the quota system, and certain considerations are still being implemented for equal distribution of wealth. "During the (Bloomberg) interview, I did not mean that everything would be abolished at this time. I said this would be done only when the Malays have succeeded and are confident that they can compete, locally and abroad." Earlier in his speech, Najib said more measures to tackle the economic crisis would be announced on Nov 4 in Parliament. "There will be good news for all. The measures are needed to insulate our economy. If shares or stocks plunge, the impact is not that bad, but the real economy cannot be affected because the impact on Malay businessmen would be quite big." - nst
 |
Tokkok like this and dares to go on TV (as if not everyday on NTV) and to lead a nation!