The Barisan 1Malaysia rally that brings together non-governmental organisations (NGOs) nationwide will be extended to the local level.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Ahmad Maslan said this is due to encouraging response from over 1,500 NGOs at the rally inaugurated by Prime Minister Najib Razak in Kuala Lumpur today.

ahmad maslan barisan 1malaysia gathering "We are considering to hold more rallies and the secretariat members will meet on it soon. It was agreed by the prime minister," he told reporters on the sidelines of the rally at Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).

Ahmad, who is also chairperson of the rally secretariat, said the NGOs are needed to realise government policies.

However, the secretariat has no plans to make the Barisan 1Malaysia rally into an annual event.

President of Malaysian Indian Muslim Congress (Kimma) Syed Ibrahim Kader said ties between the government and NGOs should not be dismissed.

This is because NGOs are close to people at the grassroots and serve as the eyes and ears for the government.

Vice-chairman of Badan Amal Tarbiah Sejagat (Batas) Hafis Burong said the government and NGOs complement one another.

"NGOs need to help the prime minister to make the country strong and progressive while the government should support and aid NGOs," he said.

More prominent speakers

Pertubuhan Anak-anak Melayu Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan said the rally was in line with the message conveyed by first speaker Dr Mohd Fadzilah Kamsah entitled ‘The Future of Religion and Family Development’.

Its committee member, Hamzah Saliaman said the rally should be held again with more prominent speakers to provide information and understanding.

Chairperson of Bandar Tun Razak Single Mothers Association Zaini Zakaria, 53, said the rally is a good platform for NGOs to plan strategies to achieve the government mission and policies.

Noraini Othman, 21, of Yayasan Felda Kampus Raja Alias, Jempol, said the prime minister's speech shows that the government accept the existence of NGOs as contributor to the formation and strengthening of society as they exist at grassroots level.

- Bernama

 

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