PM announces 7th NKRA - tackling rising living costs

By Azril Annuar, The Sun
PUTRAJAYA (July 27, 2011): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak announced today the seventh National Key Result Area (NKRA) – to tackle the rising costs of living.

Najib said the cabinet made the decision as the government does not want the people to suffer from the rising cost of living which has already begun affecting them.

“When we first came up with the first six NKRA two years ago, there was no global phenomena on the rising cost of food items. The first six NKRA were initiated after studies were conducted on what the public wanted and needed.

“Now that the phenomena on the rising costs of living have become an issue impacting the lives of everyday Malaysians, we have to respond to alleviate the burden and suffering of our people,” he said, at a press conference held at his office today.

Najib said the 1Malaysia clinics, the 1Malaysia chain of sundry shops and the Tukar programme will now be part of the seventh NKRA.

“Pemandu’s expertise will be utilised to help the various agencies and ministries involved in items, food items or services concerning the public. It will also be involved in organising labs with the ministries,” he added.

One of the steps to be taken by the government is to study the supply chain and look at what can be done to “liberalise” it.

“Perhaps we will allow for more imported goods and items to add to the market supply. Secondly, we could also open up unused empty fields for food production. We might also find a cheaper alternative on livestock feed,” he added.

Najib said the newest NKRA will not only cover food items but also other necessities.

The first six NKRA are: reducing crime index; poverty eradication; improving urban public transport, combating corruption, education and improving infrastructure in rural areas.

Earlier, he held a dialogue session with a number of iconic figures tasked to engage the public in the 1Malaysia Online Roundtable discussion.

“It was a very productive discussion. They brought up important suggestions for our consideration. We’ll try to respond accordingly. They also want to be involved in the follow through process later.

“One of the benefits of this discussion is that we’re able to get and feel the pulse of the people," Najib said, adding certain ideas and suggestions raised might be used in the formulating of government policies.
Amongst those attending the dialogue were football pundit Serbegeth Singh, celebrity host Aznil Nawawi, ISIS CEO Datuk Dr. Mahani Zainal Abidin and celebrity Lisa Surihani.

On the recommendations made by the Royal Commission of Inquiry regarding the late Teoh Beng Hock’s case, Najib said: “We will make operational changes to the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) in terms of the training. It’s been stated that the training is inadequate and we will strengthen it.

“Management of witness will adhere to a new set of guidelines and also with respect to the three who have been named in the report, it’s up to MACC and police to make further investigation and the Attorney General to decide on the next course.”

During the discussion, Najib said he will be cheering Harimau Malaya on their grudge rematch tonight against Singapore at Dewan Wawasan in Kubang Pasu, Kedah with around 10,000 members of the public.
He apologised to National Football Team Coach K. Rajagobal for not being able to make it to the game at Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil.

“We have a big group here and they’re listening to our conversation and they are behind you and Harimau Malaya. I’m sure you’ll be able to rise to the occasion and the country is behind you all the way.
“I’m sure you have some things (planned) to overcome our two goal loss," he added.