KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has pushed back claims that the federal unity government has failed to bring significant changes to the people.
He said to the contrary the government has in fact performed well in governing the country under the prevailing circumstances.
Fadillah was commenting on the claim made by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad who also said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has yet to contribute anything to the country after 100 days in office.
“We have to look carefully and analyse what the unity government has done in a short span of time, especially in resolving the problems of Sarawak and Sabah.
“For Sarawak, the government has given a special grant to the state and a Sarawak representative is now a member of the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) which the state had requested,” said Fadillah after attending an appreciation ceremony for his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister here on Sunday (March 5).
He noted that a few issues from Sabah had also been resolved and agreed upon and that there were also many programmes to benefit the people.
Fadillah said the country’s huge budget presented in parliament also showed that the government was focusing on the progress and development of the people and country.
“We are focusing on projects that have been planned and approved, namely the construction of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak and Sabah as well as development projects along the country’s border.
“This has shown how committed the unity government is to bring changes to the country. It is too early to judge the unity government’s performance.
“Even during the hard times we are facing now, we are able to resolve some of the issues through various programmes and initiatives in a short time,” he asserted.
Towards this end he hoped Mahathir will give constructive criticisms for the good of the country.
“I respect him for his opinions, may he continue to contribute through constructive criticism on our performance, not give negative comments.
“Right now, we cannot afford to play anymore politics … we are already behind our Asean counterparts,” he warned.
He advised those who are not satisfied with how the unity government is performing to provide useful and constructive criticism to help improve the government.
