By Ida Nadirah Ibrahim
SHAH ALAM, March 27 — Prime Minister Tan Sr Muhyiddin Yassin has announced a RM250 billion economic stimulus package to cushion the financial impact on the nation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a special address aired on television and social media platforms today, Muhyiddin said RM128 billion from the total amount is allocated to ensure the welfare of the people is taken care of.
Another RM100 billion of the package would benefit businesses, including the small and medium enterprises (SME), while the remaining RM2 billion would be used to strengthen the country’s economy.
He said the total funds include the RM20 billion allocation in the initial 2020 Economic Stimulus Package, announced on February 27 by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“Whether you are a fisherman in Kukup, Johor, or smallholder in Jeli, Kelantan… a chalet operator in Cherating or a trishaw rider in Melaka, a night market trader in Kuala Lumpur or at Pasar Tamu in Kundasang.
“You will all enjoy the benefits of the people-centric economic stimulus package. As I have mentioned, no group will be left out. No one will be left behind,” said Muhyiddin.
He added that the present Perikatan Nasional government is doing their best to pull the nation through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Admitting the fact that the newly minted government was not voted in by the people, Muhyiddin said that it is an administration that cares for the nation.
“This government may not be the government that you voted for. But I want all of you to know that this government cares for you.
“I accepted the fact that I came in as your prime minister not at the best moment. I face political, economic and health crisis all at the same time.
“This unprecedented situation, of course, requires unprecedented measures.
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, and the children of this beloved country, whether you are a Malay, Chinese, Indian, Sikh, Iban, Kadazan, Dusun, orang asal, please bear with me and my friends in the cabinet and the government.
“We are not perfect, but we are doing the best we can to pull through this crisis together, as one nation,” he said.
