Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and
Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (right) get a rapturous welcome in
Lembah Pantai last night.

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 2,000 people braved a downpour to meet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at a ceramah in Lembah Pantai here last night.

Despite the rain, he was greeted by kompang, bhangra and traditional Chinese and Indian music.

Prior to his arrival, the crowd was entertained by popular artistes Mawi, Ziana Zain and nasyid group Raihan.

Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil also took the stage and promised the low-cost flat residents, who are currently renting their flats, that they would be able to own them once she is re-elected as the member of parliament for Lembah Pantai.

"In fact, this plan was in the pipeline for quite sometime before parliament was dissolved on Feb 24," she said to a cheering crowd who stayed put throughout the rain and the two hour ceramah.
Abdullah spoke on various topics and highlighted the projects that have been and are being carried out by Barisan Nasional.

On the opposition's manifesto, he said they were making irresponsible and unrealistic promises.

"They promised to give money to each household earning RM1,500 and to housewives, but how long can they keep doing this when the population is increasing," he asked.

Quoting Confucius, he said: "I would rather teach them how to fish than to give them fish."

After Abdullah left about 11.30pm, a small group of about 50 Keadilan supporters bearing their party flags and placards, had a shouting match with the crowd.

Police personnel brought the situation under control.

source: The New Straits Times