BIDOR: The Barisan Nasional (BN) Government can easily solve problems of the multiracial populace of the country as the BN is a party for all races, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said.

He said the Government governing the nation was a multiracial coalition government that constantly worked to maintain racial harmony, peace, prosperity and safety of the people.

"The BN Government functions on the basis of consultation and consensus.

This is a multiracial, united and collaborative coalition government," he said.

Abdullah said the Cabinet comprising ministers representing diverse races discussed together problems that surfaced and planned ahead to transform Malaysia into a peaceful and prosperous nation.

Abdullah, who is also BN chairman, said the BN government understood the aspirations of the various races who wanted to live in a peaceful and safe country.

At the event, the Prime Minister handed offer letters for a 15-year land lease to 211 farmers from Kampung Baru Coldstream in place of the yearly renewal of land lease under the temporary occupation licence (TOL).

They are among 931 Chinese farmers who were planting vegetables and fruits illegally on government land or under TOL in six areas in Perak.

Abdullah said the farmers who received the land lease were a happy lot now that the problem they faced over the status of their farming land was now over.

"This is an example of how the State and Federal governments settle the people's problems. With the cooperation of BN component party leaders, the Menteri Besar (Datuk Seri Mohamed Tajol Rosli Ghazali), (MCA president) Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting and (Datuk) Ong Ka Chuan (MCA secretary-general) this problem has been solved amicably," he said.

The Prime Minister said farmers in Ulu Yam, Selangor, also faced similar problem before but was settled smoothly with the cooperation of BN leaders.

Abdullah said the agriculture sector would continue to receive incentives and support from the government as it was a crucial sector producing food items for the people," he said.

"Now, the farmers don't need to worry... 15 years, plus another 15 years, to plant vegetables, everybody is happy," added the Prime Minister to the applause of the audience.

Earlier, Tajol Rosli, in his speech, said each of the farmers was offered about three hectares of land for a 15-year lease with an option to be renewed for another 15 years or 20 years plus another 20 years.

Bidor, Chemor, Jelapang and Ipoh are the main vegetable-growing areas in Perak.

A total of 1,379 lots, covering more than 2,000 hectares, have been allotted to the farmers.

Earlier, Abdullah visited the vegetable farms and fruit orchards at Kampung Baru Coldstream. - Daily Express

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