Interest of people given priority by Federal govt despite economic challenges - Salleh

The Federal Government will continue to give priority to the interests and welfare of the people even though the country is faced with challenging economic conditions, said Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.

He said this was evident when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak tabled a recalibrated 2016 Budget which took into account the complaints of the people over the current rising cost of living.

"Under any circumstances and situation, the interests of the people is top priority to the government. In fact, this is emphasised by the prime minister when tabling the recalibrated 2016 Budget.

"I believe a clear explanation must be given to the people, including to those in rural areas, so as to prevent them from being confused or misguided or diverted or deflected by those trying to fish in troubled waters," he said.

He was speaking at a dinner in honour of Rural and Regional Development (KKLW) Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob who was visiting the Kota Belud district, in Kampung Taun Gusi, here, Monday.

Salleh said his ministry was ready to cooperate with all the relevant ministries, including KKLW to explain to the people at the grassroots level, about the rationale of the recalibrated 2016 Budget.

He believed that his ministry and KKLW had the responsibility to provide information to the people as both the ministries have an extensive network in rural areas.

Salleh was also confident KKLW can bring about major changes to the development of rural communities through the transformation programme 'Membandarkan kawasan luar bandar', besides continuing efforts to defend Bumiputera interests.