PUTRAJAYA must ensure its cost-saving measures do not compromise the people’s welfare, outgoing PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said at the wing’s congress today.

Acknowledging the need to rein in spending and end corruption, he said the people still needed welfare programmes to enhance their potential.

“When it comes to the people, austerity can kill,” he said at the Youth congress in Shah Alam. 

The government must identify programmes still needed by the people and ensure that the money spent on them benefits recipients, not cronies, he added.

Spending on welfare and development programmes is still needed as these are investments to overcome economic challenges.

“I stress, I do not support spending driven by carelessness and negligence. 

“But definitely nobody can object to investments for better education, sustainable neighbourhoods and social safety net for those who are vulnerable.” – November 16, 2018.