KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 ― All Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties are required to be on the ground to continue tackling problems shackling the people, including poverty.

In making this call, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said they should assist in implementing the government's progamme which focused on the hardcore poor, poor and low (B40) and moderate income earners (M40).

“We must set aside religion, language and culture when we want to overcome poverty. Poverty must be our agenda as component parties of BN.

“We must help Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (to implement the poverty eradication programme),” said Ahmad Zahid in his speech when opening the 62nd General Assembly of the People's Progressive Party (myPPP) here today.

The Umno vice-president said the step to help the group was also in line with Najib's agenda to carry out a transformation in the economic sector.

Ahmad Zahid said all BN component parties must show a sense of responsibility in helping the people.

In the meantime, he said the people's happiness over physical aid given by the government, such as schools and money must be balanced by spiritual happiness.

“What's important is not just allocation, what's important is not just monetary issues. What's important is how the leadership and the BN component parties inject spiritual happiness.”

The deputy prime minister stressed that true happiness would lead towards a society of mutual respect and simultaneously, prevent problems including racism and crime.

At a media conference later, he hoped the rebranding of PPP into myPPP would be interpreted with a big overall contribution from the party to BN in the coming general election.

In his speech, myPPP president Tan Sri M. Kayveas said the party would implement the “365-day challenge” encompassing the challenge of carrying out a programme daily to approach the people, especially youths.

He said this included the 'myInsurance', 'myWill', 'myHelpingHands', 'myEnglish', 'mySafeHome' and 'myEnvironment' initiatives involving all party wings.

For example, via 'myHelpingHands', the women's wing would help find temporary housing and food for women and children in difficulties, he said.

Kayveas said the rebranding of the party was a clear reflection of how myPPP embraced challenges and positioned itself to embrace all possibilities in line with current times and situation. ― Bernama