KUALA LUMPUR: All allocations and aid given by the Government are meant to help those who deserve assistance, regardless of race and religion, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said Malaysia had sufficient wealth and resources to develop policies that were fair, equitable and inclusive.

Speaking at the Malaysian Chinese Youth Dialogue at Dewan Tunku Canselor, Universiti Malaya here yesterday, Najib said people should also not view social justice with a zero-sum perspective.

“If we take this view, it means that we cannot decide for ourselves who needs help. We want to help those from the lower-income group and people who need help irrespective of whether they are Malays, Chinese or others,” said the prime minister.

Standing united: Najib and Dr Chua, together with representatives of the Chinese youth associations and undergraduate students, showing the 1Malaysia sign after the dialogue at Universiti Malaya yesterday.

Najib urged youths not to take the disparaging remarks seriously as they were made by “one or two people with a few screws are loose”.

He said this in reply to a question by a student on the alleged indifference shown by some government officials who stereotyped the Chinese community.

The dialogue, held with representatives of eight Chinese youth associations and undergraduate students at Universiti Malaya, was attended by MCA leaders, including party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek.

In response to another question on whether MCA would be given seats in the Cabinet should the party lose its seats in the next general election, Najib said the question was academic in nature but replied: “We don’t intend for MCA to lose”.

“What is important now is to focus on winning the election and we want our MCA partners to win their seats.”

Najib said that MCA, together with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), would initiate a financial collaboration to offer business loans to young Chinese entrepreneurs through Koperasi Jayadiri Malaysia Berhad (Kojadi).

Separately, at a gathering with hundreds of local cartoonists and animators at the Central Market here last night, Najib said that they could contribute towards strengthening racial unity through their work.

The gathering, called “Anda, PM dan Kartunis”, made it into the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest gathering of cartoonists and animators.

-The Star-