Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email The media (Star and NST-reproduced below) were adorned with the magic numbers: 21000. Number of supporters that came to the Evening with Prime Minister program organised by MIC as a show of support for BN. MK reported 15,000 people.
however, piinangkl highlighted that the hall can only fit 3000 people in the spectator stands. I searched around and managed to find the following:
It is located at Cheras, about 8 km from Kuala Lumpur City. For KL’06, 9th FESPIC Games this venue will be used for power lifting. About 3000 spectators can be accommodated in the stadium. It has parking bays for 100 cars and 20 busses can be parked at the parking bays.
source: KL FESPIC Games 2006 website
If we can assume that the courts were used as well, maybe another 8000 people can be seated. So, 5000 + 8000 = 13000. Where were the other 8000 people?
Reports say that some were standing outside, but no numbers on that.
PM: Unity is key in tackling dire poverty
By : Azura Abas and K. Harideran
source
KUALA LUMPUR: A cabinet committee on the hardcore poor will be formed to lift people of all races out of dire poverty by 2010, the prime minister said.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the committee’s measures to improve the livelihood of the nation’s poorest could only succeed if all races were united.
If there is havoc, it will be difficult. If there is fighting, it will be difficult. So, don’t fight and don’t cause trouble. Instead, all of us have to work hard and unite because it gives us the strength to face all challenges. With this strength, God willing, the Barisan Nasional will continue to be the people’s choice.”
The prime minister said the hardcore poor existed among all races. “It does not exist only in the Indian community. It is also present in the Chinese and Malay communities.” He said poverty still existed in the country and much work remained to be done, especially in developing the rural areas.
“In our effort to alleviate poverty, we will ensure no race is excluded. This is my promise.” Abdullah also wanted children from hardcore poor families to be educated as it was the main route through which they could improve their lives.
On the MIC, the prime minister said the party was an old friend of Umno and the MCA. “We cannot forget the MIC. If there are problems, we (the other components in the BN) are ready to help. “The MIC can continue its struggle under the BN banner.”
The BN always stood by a common understanding among its members, said Abdullah, who is also the BN chief. “We will face the coming general election together,” he said.
Abdullah assured the Indian audience that MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu had always voiced the community’s concerns. “What I’m about to say is not because of the coming general election. I just want to tell you the truth. “Samy Vellu has always been fighting for you in the cabinet,” he said to loud cheers.
