Dr M: Don’t envy the rich, the poor need to be more productive
PUCHONG: The poor should not be envious of the wealthy and work hard to improve their lot, said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Speaking at the monthly gathering of civil servants in Putrajaya, Mahathir reminded the public that the wealthy pay a lot in taxes for the development of the nation.
However, the prime minister also reminded the wealthy that it was their duty to help the poor and likewise, the poor should be productive to uplift their livelihood.
“There are those who are envious of the wealthy, especially if have contributed to their wellbeing. However, this envy must not influence us.
“We need the rich to pay high taxes, which can run to hundreds of millions to the government and we use this money to pay salaries and develop the country.
“So, if everyone is poor, where will we get funds to manage the country?” he asked.
The Langkawi MP also said that government leaders and civil servants need to remind the poor that they cannot improve their livelihood through mere subsidies and other assistance.
He added that that the government is working on programmes to assist the poor but stressed that the downtrodden should also play their part.
“Why are these people poor? Because they are unproductive and do not contribute to the society.
“Of course, we will come with ways to help them but they must play their parts too,” said Mahathir.
By G Vinod
