PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today his Malaysian Family concept is not just mere rhetoric or a slogan.

He said the idea was the spirit that the government had instilled in the administration of the country, where the interests and well-being of the people are preserved, just like taking care of a family.

Ismail said, for example, that in a family, any child who is weak in his or her studies would definitely be given more attention.

“What more, family members who are less fortunate in life… surely we will offer help and not leave them on their own.

“The same goes for government administration today. The B40 and M40 groups affected by the pandemic will continue to be given focus and priority in benefiting from government aid,” he said in Kuching earlier this evening.

The prime minister said, in line with the Malaysian Family concept, socio-economic development in less developed states would continue to be given priority.

He said – besides Sabah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis – Sarawak would also be given special focus by the government to bridge the economic development gap and to ensure economic prosperity could be enjoyed fairly and equally by the people.

“For this purpose, at least 50% of the entire expenditure for basic development under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) will be distributed to these six states.

“The allocations involve the provision of basic infrastructure, digitalisation, education, healthcare services and economic development,” he said.

He added that the same approach would also be the highlight of Budget 2022 to be tabled next week. – Bernama, October 23, 2021.