Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today derided PAS’ welfare state concept, claiming that countries which have tried this model have ended up with economic turmoil.

klang hokkien association najib cny 060212 At a Chinese New Year luncheon in Klang today, Najib said BN’s policy was to provide a social safety net, which was different from welfare state policies found in some European countries.

"Government practises the policy of providing social safety net in the country although we are not welfare state because all nations that practise welfare state (concept) eventually face very serious economic problems," he said.

Elaborating, Najib said that if a nation implements a social safety net which emphasises on the people’s welfare, the distribution of wealth would be more equitable.

klang hokkien association najib cny 060212 Among examples of a social safety net includes the RM1.4 billion 1Malaysia People’s Welfare (Karisma) project, the RM100 cash handout to students and RM500 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) cash handout.

No red carpet

PAS introduced the welfare state policy in 2008 and its ideas have influenced the Pakatan Rakyat common policy document, better known as the Buku Jingga (Orange Book).

The luncheon, organised by several Selangor Chinese organisations, invited 1,500 senior citizens, orphans and underprivileged from charity and welfare organisations in Selangor.

Unlike most official functions, no red carpet or VIP table was prepared for the premier.

Najib was seated together with the underprivileged folks at a long table and served simple nasi lemak packed in a plastic lunch box and bottled mineral water.

klang hokkien association najib cny 060212 After his speech, Najib, dressed in a striking red batik, walked from table to table to distribute ang pow (red packet) containing RM100 to the multi-racial crowd.

According to him, the money was sponsored by private companies through a public-private partnership initiative where the government allocated RM500,000 to 50 welfare organisations while companies contributed the money and bear the cost of the luncheon.

Also present were Selangor BN leaders include Selangor Umno deputy chief Noh Omar, Selangor MCA chief Donald Lim and Selangor BN operation director Mohd Zin Mohamed.