Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Tuesday the Barisan Nasional (BN) government always strived to improve the living standard of all the people, including those who were self-employed or worked with the government.

He said the government helped civil servants and pensioners to ease the financial burden brought on by increased prices with higher salaries and allowances.

"For the self-employed such as farmers, the government provides assistance by way of subsidies and for traders help in the form of interest-free loans," he said during a visit to the Umno operations room in Permatang Tinggi C here.

He also said that the government made available medicine at low cost at government hospitals.

"The medicine (at government hospitals) is cheaper than at pharmacies. This is how we help ease the financial burden of the people," the BN chairman said.

Abdullah said the incentives reflect the BN government's concern for the people.

Therefore, if given the mandate, the BN government would continue to ensure the wellbeing of the people, he said.

"We will help the people because we want them to enjoy security, peace and prosperity," he said.

Abdullah said the people should take advantage of all the opportunities provided by the government lest they fell into the hands of others.

"The government will create more employment opportunities and the people must take advantage of these. Many jobs now have been taken over by foreigners. As such, do not be choosy about jobs," he said.

Earlier, the prime minister visited the Bertam Umno operations room. He was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.

Quoted From
BERNAMA 

Wednesday, 27 Feb 2008