Abdullah Wants Poverty Eradication Projects That Makes Impact 
Bernama – 13/4/2006
PUTRAJAYA - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants to see the impact in the poverty eradication projects under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

He said an average outcome after all the allocation has been spent would not suffice.

It is pertinent that the implementation of poverty eradication projects, especially hardcore poverty, are achieved in a cost effective manner and the target groups are able to enhance their ability.

"For example, for an allocation of RM100,000 it's not proper to spend RM60,000 on administrative cost and only the remaining RM40,000 utilised for the poverty eradication projects," he said.

He said this in a news conference after visiting the Rural and Regional Development Ministry here Wednesday.

Therefore, he said, the Ministry would coordinate all the poverty eradication projects except those which involves agricultural projects to be coordinated by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry.

Abdullah said the Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) would also monitor the money spent and the impact of the project.

Replying to questions, Abdullah said the administrative cost of projects depends on the circumstances. For example, the administrative cost may be higher to build a school in the interiors as helicopters might be used to ferry construction materials. In such situations it is alright, in others it is not, he said. He also said the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department would get ready an implementation plan for poverty eradication projects to ensure the implementation by government agencies are more systematic.

Abdullah said the ministry not only has to develop the existing regions but also new regions like the development corridor in the north, east Sabah and Sarawak. They also have to balance the development in the regions apart from among sectors in the regions involved. The ministry must also ensure there is no duplication of projects between regions and the distribution of projects are more effective.

On allegation by an opposition paper that 80 percent of the projects under 9MP were grabbed by his cronies, Abdullah in denying the allegation said: "I am surprised. It's not even a month after the 9MP being announced, how could they possibly grab all the projects."
Source: Bernama | www.bernama.com