IPOH, June 8 — Tabung Haji will set aside RM230 million this year to ensure the cost of performing the Haj does not go beyond RM10,000, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced.

He said the subsidy was from the government led by Umno through Tabung Haji.

"Tabung Haji is the pride of the nation. Whoever that says Tabung Haji misuses its power is lying,” he said.

Launching the Jom Bantu Rakyat programme at Taman Mewah in Bukit Gantang yesterday, Najib said the government had given a lot to the people.

"If I were to list it down, we will be sitting here until buka puasa time,” he said.

Najib said Barisan Nasional had administered the country well.

"The World Bank has projected our growth this year at 4.9 per cent, an increase from 4.3 per cent previously,” he said.

"So whoever that says Malaysia is going bankrupt and a failed state is jealous. They do not have other issues. They just simply whack without giving alternative.”

He said the people had grown sick and tired of hearing the statements made by the Opposition.

On the programme, Najib said it would be expanded nationwide.

"This is to ensure those who needed help will get help,” he said.

He said an initial sum of RM19million has been set aside for the programme.

"(A total of) RM7 million (is) from Tabung Haji, RM8 milion from Umno and RM4 million from the federal government,” he said.

Later, when visiting the construction site for SJK(T) Taman Kaya, Najib urged Indians to make the right choice during the election to ensure the community’s growth.

He said it was important to choose the party which had an agenda to continue developing the Indian community, citing the recently launched Malaysian Indian Blueprint as a prime example.

"We have a record of developing the Indian community, and the Opposition does not have this record,” he said.

"It is important to choose a party that can deliver and has a track record of helping.

"If the Malaysian Indian Blueprint is to be implemented properly, support needs to be given to Barisan Nasional.”

Najib said the school would be completed in June next year and would consist of one three-storey block with six classrooms.

It will be built on 0.2 ha allocated by the Perak government.