I am committed to helping the Prime Minister - DPM

"I will give my assistance to the Prime Minister to ensure that both his and the government's commitments are well interpreted. I support the prime minister because he is sincere in helping everyone regardless of race and religion.

"He (the prime minister) needs his number two man to be committed so I will give him my commitment and loyalty," he said at the launch of Sri Murugan Centre's 35th anniversary celebration, here today.

Ahmad Zahid said he had been faithful to Datuk Seri Najib Razak whom he had known since 1982 and had also served as his press secretary in 1987.

"My loyalty should never be questioned by anyone," he added.

Ahmad Zahid said one of the tasks entrusted to him was the eradication of urban poverty, and through the Urban Poverty Alleviation Cabinet Committee which he chairs, he would ensure the objectives were met.

He often discussed with other ministers including Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and Urban Wellbeing, Housing, Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar to find solutions to urban poverty, especially in solving housing, food costs, transportation and education issues.

"I am colour blind when it comes to eradicating urban poverty. Poverty transcends race no matter who they are, Malay, Indian or Chinese we have to help them."