SHAH ALAM, Mar 8 – Dato’ Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said that implementing the new hope theme upheld by the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) could increase the living standards of the minority races in this country, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak.

He said, even though the concept may not be understood by the people, it was actually an effort to further develop this multi-racial country.

“The people know that Malaysian leaders especially PKR fights to ensure that all the people are cared for.

“Thus we have the Constitutional Monarchy besides ensuring the people reap benefits from development, this is the PKR manifesto,” he said adding that he hoped the people would understand this and judge for themselves.

Abdul Khalid added, the state of Selangor under his administration had understood that concept from the start and had already implemented the concept of Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (MES).

“In Selangor, as an example water is given to all regardless of race, religion and political ideology,” he said.

He said, to help the needy here, the state government had increased baseline for poverty RM1,500 per month for each family.

“We help them without exception to race or religion,” he said.

Abdul Khalid added, the state government had implemented all this based on need and not political or racial ideology.

He added, PKR de facto leader Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim  also wanted this to be implemented throughout the country including Sabah and Sarawak.

He said this to the media after attending the Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim National Speech, at the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) Auditorium Hall, here this afternoon.

Also present was Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Earlier in the ceremony, more than 1,000 PKR leaders, embassy representatives , Selangor State  asing, Selangor State Executive Council Members and community chiefs attended Anwar’s speech entitled People Sovereignity.

Several PKR leaders also gave speeches during the ceremony, which was held in conjunction with the anniversary of the 12th general elections.

Among the topics included Demographic Changes and Malaysian Voting Patterns by Keadilan Director of Strategy and Machang Member of Parliament, Saifuddin Nasution, The Role of Women in History’s Most Crucial Moments by Keadilan Supreme Council Member, Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yew Kew, Challenges Faced by Other Bumiputeras Keadilan Sarawak State Information Committee Member, Baru Bian and Minority Representatives and Identity Politics by Keadilan Supreme Council Member, Dr Irene Fernandez. – MURIZA ABDUL HAMID