LETTERS: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah was spot on when he said glittering buildings and towering skyscrapers don't mean much if the people are still mired in poverty.
Skyscrapers may symbolise economic growth, with their towering heights and gleaming facades, and stand as testaments to human engineering and ambition. But below the edifying buildings in some cities and towns in the country, there are shacks and huts housing people who have little access to education, healthcare, and basic amenities.
In Kuala Lumpur for example vagrants and the homeless are an increasingly common sight and this has become a cause for concern.
The Sultan said the existence of pockets of poverty calls for the establishment of robust social safety nets and quality healthcare, as the 'Pelan Perak Sejahtera 2030' proposes to do.
The Sultan said this at the second meeting of the Perak State Legislative Assembly in Ipoh. His comments that poverty alleviation is crucial for fostering social welfare and justice are also applicable to the rest of the nation.
His message was about creating an environment where economic development goes hand in hand with the well-being of the people.
His exhortations are a cue for politicians and government officials to take specific actions or adopt particular attitudes to address this anomaly.
Let us remember that true progress of a nation lies not only in architectural, engineering and other feats but in lifting every soul from the depths of poverty. Here are a few ways to help the urban poor.
Facilitate access to more small low interest loans to enable them to start or expand small businesses, and create sustainable sources of income. Implement targeted social welfare initiatives that provide financial assistance, healthcare, and housing support to those in need.
This can act as a safety net during difficult times.
Empower women by providing them with education and employment opportunities.
Reduce red tape and licensing procedures to help individuals looking to start their own businesses. There are many other initiatives that need to be taken to ensure that basic necessities like food and shelter are provided to the poor and the homeless.
Eventually it is the responsibility of any government to create a just society where prosperity in the country can be shared and enjoyed in an equitable manner in line with our Rukun Negara.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
CHAIRMAN OF ALLIANCE FOR A SAFE COMMUNITY
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
