| Demonstrations Can't Force Govt To Make Changes, Says Abdullah |
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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Street demonstrations are not something that can force the government towards making changes, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says.
He stressed that policies that had been drafted or even changes that had been made to the existing policies were the results of interactions with the people and according to their wishes delivered through the correct channel.
Hence, democracy in Malaysia remained intact and the people appreciated it, he said.
"We listen to what fishermen's associations are saying, what the farmers' associations are saying, the cooperatives are saying and the views of the village development and security committees and other organisations and political parties expressed in their meetings and motions.
"This has been our way throughout," said Abdullah who is Umno president when chairing the party's supreme council meeting at its headquarters here Saturday.
He said the people appreciated peace and security and public order because they realised that with all these, they would be able to find livelihood without being disturbed.
"So, all actions that have been taken by the government are actions that meet the aspirations of the people," he said.
Abdullah, who is Internal Security Minister, said the recent street demonstrations gave adverse impacts to the tourism industry and affected businesses.
Statements by the silent majority like the one made by 365 non-government organisations who objected to street demonstrations proved that most Malaysians hated and rejected things that could threaten public security and order, he said.
The prime minister said the problem of poverty affected all races in both urban and rural areas and the government were taking steps to eradicate it irrespective of race.
Abdullah said that in today's Umno supreme council meeting, members of the party voiced their support to the government's actions in dealing with issues involving national security and public order that had arisen lately.
"They also support any proper of action that the government will take," he said.
He reiterated that allegations of ethnic cleansing and oppression on the Indian community by an extremist group who orchestrated an unlawful rally in Kuala Lumpur recently were not true.
"They are all not true but have been spread and exported abroad. All these bring hatred," he said.
Asked whether the detention of five leaders of the group under the Internal Security Act on Thursday means the issue is considered settled, Abdullah said:
"At this point of time, we are still able to preserve peace and justice and maintain public order. We are aware of attempts to disrupt the status quo and we will continue to be on alert and will take the proper action," he said.
-- BERNAMA
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