Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak tonight launched the Yayasan Ehsan Seputeh or YES, a foundation targeting to transform the local community into a credible, knowledgeable and balanced society.

In his speech while addressing some 5,000 local residents at the event, Najib said the effort by YES was a good example to be closer to the people.

He said such an effort should be emulated by Umno as a political party to get the people's support.

"There are various ways that can be done, among them is to expand social and welfare activities that can change the people's lives.

"The reason is people rely on Umno and BN. When they fall sick, help them, if they are poor, donate to them... when Umno/BN come forward in their hour of need, we will get stronger support from the people," Najib said.

Also present were Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Mansor, Rural and Regional Development Minister Shafei Apdal and Defence Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

Meanwhile, YES chairman Mustapa Kamal Mohd Yusoff said the foundation was established one-and-a-half years ago.

Its main objective is to become an organisation that is proactive in helping and strengthening the people of various races in the Seputeh parliamentary constituency.

"For a start, YES will work with Kumpulan KPJ Healthcare Bhd to organise health programmes, like health talks, providing guidance on healthy lifestyle and to motivate the people to emphasise the health aspects in their daily life,"

Mustapa Kamal said.

On social programmes, he said, they included a haemodialysis and physiotherapy centre, upgrading of religious schools, providing legal aid, setting up of a school education fund and a centre for the homeless.

- Bernama