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By JANE RITIKOS and MARTIN CARVALHO (The Star) - KUALA LUMPUR: A high-powered committee will be set up to carry out the government's efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty among all races by 2010.
{mosgoogle right} Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in announcing the setting up of the proposed Cabinet sub-committee, said poverty affected people of all races, not just the Indian community. Addressing a large gathering of Indians who attended the MIC-organised “Special Gathering between Federal Territory MIC members and the Prime Minister” at the Cheras Badminton Stadium here yesterday, he said the Government had succeeded in reducing the poverty level from 60% at the time of Independence to 5.7% at present. However, he said hardcore poverty was still not completely eliminated. “As long as there is strength, all of us will work. The Government will work to ensure that no one is left behind, and defend the interests of all races in the country. That's my promise to you ... that we will continue to work. “We want success. Who likes to see people suffering? We want to see good life, we want to have good life too,” he said to applause from the large crowd. The 6,000-capacity stadium was packed to the brim, while outside, several thousand more Indians waited. Also present was MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu and other MIC top brass. Abdullah said one way to overcome poverty was through education, explaining that the Government did not want any child to miss out on education because of poverty. Hence, examination fees and school fees were abolished to provide free education to everyone. Abdullah, who is the Barisan chairman, said inter-racial relations in the country was generally good although there were occasional problems, but pointed out that unity was evident when the people celebrated festivals together. He said the Barisan believed in governing through co-operation and consensus, adding that the Cabinet only decided on matters when all present agreed. “It's not because of the election that I am saying this but because I want you to know the truth – Samy has been fighting for you in the Cabinet,” he stressed. The Prime Abdullah revealed a conversation he had with a friend before heading to the event. The friend had asked whether he was going to the gathering, saying that he had heard that not many people would come and it would be embarrassing for Abdullah. “I said that whatever it is, MIC is my friend, Umno's friend and I must come,” he said. As it turned out, there was a huge turnout and Abdullah said it was the biggest MIC gathering that he had attended.
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