Cost of living, house ownership main agenda to be addressed: DPM Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Cost of living and house ownership are the main agenda to be immediately addressed by the government, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid (BN-Bagan Datuk) said the two aspects had also captured serious attention of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V, as mentioned in his speech when opening the first meeting of the fifth term of the 13th Parliament at the Dewan Rakyat here today.
"Indeed, the two aspects have become the government's main focus in solving the people's problems. Besides, the government will also strive to ensure balance of infrastructure built in both urban and rural areas as hoped by the King.
"What's important now is how political stability can be maintained for the next 30 years in time to achieve the National Transformation 2050 (TN50), which takes into account the opinions of the young generation and will be the main framework and policy for Malaysia to be in the world's top 20 nations," he said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, also expressed pride when the achievements and success of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the Armed Forces (ATM) in maintaining national security and defence were among the main focus in the King's speech.
Meanwhile, His Majesty's concern over the wellbeing of the security forces personnel had also become a morale booster for them to continue serving the people and the country.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (BN-Sembrong) said the PDRM and ATM personnel would definitely be happy with His Majesty's words concerning efforts to ensure their wellbeing, as well as the commitment to strengthen the two forces.
"We believe that with His Majesty's blessing and support, our security forces personnel at the ministry will remain in high spirit. InsyaAllah, everything that we planned will be implemented," he said.
Youth and Sport Minister Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Jelebu), on the other hand, said the King's speech regarding the country's sovereignty should be taken seriously by all quarters, especially politicians.
"His Majesty has made a firm decree, especially to ensure that the country's administration will not be disrupted by any foreign interference. We must also ensure that the results of next general election will be made totally be the voters in the country without any outside pressure and foreign interference," he said.
Khairy also said he would ensure that the royal decree for the TN50 plan to reflect the voices of the people, would be realised.
"Many tasks have been entrusted to the Youth and Sports Ministry to make the TN50 a reality, and we will ensure that the plan will see the participation of the people from all walks of life," he said.
Education Minister Datuk Mahdzir Khalid (BN-Padang Terap) also supported the King's decree to continue the government's policies on education, as well as the TN50 plan mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
Meanwhile Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (BN-Titiwangsa) said the government's efforts to ensure that the country's economic deficit would remain under control proved the government's concern over the matter. — Bernama