SUBANG JAYA, Februari 8 – Dato’ Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has asked the people of Selangor to spend only according to their needs and means, due to the economic downturn currently faced throughout the world.

He said, the Selangor state government and various civil departments were conducting several economic exercises in facing this situation.

“The Pakatan Rakyat Government is working hard to ensure the rakyat’s welfare is constantly protected through the implementation of various programmes in the Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor agenda for the benefit of the people,” he said in a speech at the Selangor State Chinese New Year Open House 2009 at the Sunway Pyramid Carpark which was attended by more than 10,000 people, last night.

He said, programmes such as the Selangor Children Heritage Fund, Free Water Supply, Gifts For Children Entering University, Senior Citizens Assistance, Mineral and Ore Increment Revenue Programme, One-Stop Crisis Service Centre and Estate Workers Children’s Education Fund were among those currently being implemented.

“We shall work together to ensure harmony and peace can be enjoyed by all of Selangor’s rakyat without differences in race or religion,” said Abdul Khalid, urging the people of this state to be optimistic in facing the challenges of the global economic crisis.

Also present at the ceremony were the Dato’ Menteri Besar’s wife,  Puan Sri Salbiah Tunut, Chairperson for Permanent Committee on Local Government, Study and Research, Ronnie Liu cum Chairman of the Main Committee for the Chinese New Year Open House Celebration as well as Selangor State Executive Council members.

Guests were served various goodies besides enjoying traditional performances such as lion dances and fireworks displays.

At the ceremony, Abdul Khalid also gave away ‘angpows’ to children. – MURIZA ABDUL HAMID