KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Government today approved a RM5 million allocation for the development of Zoo Negara, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the allocation approved by the federal government is to supplement the RM5 million in funds received by Zoo Negara raised through the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives involving corporate companies.
"This RM10 million in allocation will be jointly managed with the Selangor Menteri Besar and the Federal Government, as well as with the cooperation of the committee at Zoo Negara," said Anwar in his speech at the launching of Zoo Negara's Diamond Jubilee in conjunction with its 60th Anniversary celebration here today.
Present were Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Zoo Negara deputy president Datuk Rosly@Rahmat Amat Lana.
Also present was Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. In attendance was the prime minister's wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Anwar also proposed the management of the national zoo to create a special spot called the Madani Corner in Zoo Negara.
"I hope for a special corner to be set-up at the premises to elevate the status of Zoo Negara with a special Madani corner," he said.
Anwar also acknowledged the role played by Zoo Negara not only to protect wildlife but also to create a community which he described as 'ummah yang seimbang' (a balance community).
"A balance ummah is a community who are able to maintain the equilibrium between man and nature.
"And the Madani government upholds the concept of humanity and compassion. What is the meaning of life, if there is no love and care, empathy and compassion among one and another. And such a balance is not between one person and another but also extended to animal as well as the enviroment.
"Zoo Negara can provide the true meaning of the importance of creating a balance of life between mankind, animals and wildlife," he said.