Najib Predicts A Brighter Malaysia in 2010

Malaysia Envisioned To Emerge Stronger In 2010 - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hopes that with the various initiatives undertaken, Malaysia will emerge stronger with positive growth in 2010.

He also hopes that the government's fiscal deficit will be reduced from 7.4 per cent to 5.6 per cent next year.

"However, our long-term objective is not just to recover from the economic crisis, but what is more important is taking this opportunity to lay a strong foundation for the nation's prosperity in the future with continuous renewal," he said in his 2010 New Year message which was carried live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) tonight.

Najib said it was imperative for its future prosperity that Malaysia uplift itself in the global economic value chain.

"Forging ahead means creating a knowledge-based economy driven by a high capacity for creativity, innovation and adding value."

Hence, he said, in 2010, the government would table two important initiatives. One is a long-term initiative through a new economic model, which will serve as a guide for the national development direction towards 2020 and the years beyond.

"The second is the short- and medium-term initiative in the 10th Malaysia Plan. Indeed, the success of these two initiatives requires the proactive role of every Malaysian.

"It is true that in facing the difficult moments posed by the economic challenges, we have achieved success not by co-incidence but by making wise choices.

"I believe that the key to our future success is not just our wealth in natural resources, but more importantly, our knowledgeable human capital imbued with a strong entrepreneurial spirit in generating new wealth for the nation," he said.

While wishing Malaysians 'Happy New year 2010', Najib urged everyone to move forward to achieve success together as "there are still many paths to travel and many challenges to face".

"What upholds the spirit, I believe, is because I am not alone. I know the people of this country are smart, talented and high-spirited.

"Together, we are fully optimistic of upholding Malaysia's good name," he said while hoping that 2010 would bring prosperity, security, good health and good fortune for Malaysia and its people.

Najib regarded 2009 as a time of extraordinary challenges, such as the global warming crisis which threatened the sustainability and well-being of the planet.

Besides that, he said, Malaysia also had to weather the global financial crisis, "which hit us at an unprecedented magnitude and scale, causing havoc to families and businesses in every corner of the world".

"Whatever the challenges and hurdles, with His blessings, we went through all these not by sitting back, but by standing strong, by taking action and making difficult decisions, while implementing various policies in a thoughtful manner."

He said that whether at the Asean or Apec level, and recently in Copenhagen, Malaysia had played its role aptly to place itself among the major players of global cooperation to achieve progress in the areas of trade and security and in addressing global warming.

"Although we have not fully recovered from the economic downturn, the signs indicate that Malaysia is moving out of the gloom and it recorded positive GDP growth from the fourth quarter of 2009.

"Our past records and achievements have given us confidence that Malaysia will not only recover from the economic crisis, but also have the potential of emerging stronger economically and more prosperous in the post-crisis era."

Najib said Malaysia had proven its resolve in situations like in the 1980s when commodity prices dropped sharply and during the Asian financial storm of the late 1990s, where Malaysia survived through its own recovery formula.

"We had also drawn up and implemented a roadmap towards building a stronger banking and financial sector for the country. As a result, this time, we were saved when many countries were hit hard by the economic crisis due to the failure of their banking and financial systems."

He said Malaysians must be courageous and firm in effecting change and renewal for continued prosperity, while their sacrifice was also required to raise productivity, competitiveness and mastery of new skills.

The prime minister said the effects of the global economic crisis had compelled the government to prioritise things to bring the country back to the optimal economic growth level.

"This we have done by undertaking concrete measures, such as the economic stimulus injection of RM67 billion, tabling of an additional budget, liberalisation of selected sectors, creating employment, providing comfortable homes, improving the public transport service and restructuring of subsidies."

He said that soon after taking over the helm of the government administration nine months ago, he introduced the 1Malaysia concept: People First, Performance Now, which was a priority under the present government.

"Although there are groups which try to sidetrack us or create confusion out of this noble initiative, I am confident and believe that the majority of Malaysians have begun to understand the philosophy behind the 1Malaysia concept.

"Our strength is built in the name of celebrating diversity and homogeneity regardless of whether we are old, young, Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Iban or of other ethnicity. To ensure that the concept's goals are met, the role of the government should be transformed from that of a sole provider to the best facilitator," he said.

Najib said a brighter future for Malaysia depended on the combination and promotion of ideas, talents, initiatives and the spirit of Malaysians, regardless of their limitations and backgrounds.

"The contribution of every Malaysian citizen is vital in ensuring success. There is no Malaysian who is not important or is marginalised. The government welcomes every talent available. Isn't it a waste if a talent that is honed under the Malaysian sky is capitalised on for the prosperity of other nations?"

Under his administration, six National Key Result Areas (NKRAs) were set, which involve reducing crime rates, combating corruption, widening access to affordable and quality education, improving infrastructure in rural and remote areas, and upgrading public transportation.

"I wish to state that the NKRAs and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are not something exhaustive or complete, as the government welcomes the contribution of ideas and opinions from the people.

"I believe that with synthesis between the government and people, we will have vetted ideas to improve on what we have," he said.

Najib rejects royal commission to probe Dr M

Prime Minister Najib Razak said there was no need for a royal commission of inquiry to look into allegations hurled at former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the book ‘Malaysian Maverick: Mahathir Mohamad in Turbulent Times’ authored by Barry Wain.

“There is always this call for a royal commission, everything you want royal commission, but (this) is not appropriate to call for a royal commission just because somebody has written a book.

“What is important for us is to look forward to the future. Each prime minister has made a lot of contribution, otherwise we wouldn’t be what we are today, Malaysia will not be a successful nation and regarded as a role model if all the PMs in the past had not made their contribution,” he said.

On Dec 21, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang in his blog had urged Najib to set up a royal commission to probe the allegations contained in the book, which among others had claimed that Mahathir had squandered up to RM100 billion during his 22 years as prime minister.

In an immediate response, Mahathir in his ‘Chedet’ blog welcomed the call for a royal inquiry and said he would cooperate fully with the commission.

Wain, who is the former managing editor of Asian Wall Street Journal, has estimated that Mahathir had squandered up to RM100 billion in his years as PM.

Najib hit by theft of jet engines

By Kevin Brown in Singapore

The Malaysian government faces a fresh corruption crisis after officials admitted that two fighter jet engines had disappeared from an air force base after apparently being illicitly sold by military officers to a South American arms dealer.

Najib Razak, prime minister, said there would be a full inquiry into the thefts, which happened in 2007 and 2008, when he was defence minister. However, opposition parties accused the government of a cover-up.

Lim Kit Siang, parliamentary leader of the opposition Democratic Action party, said the authorities had been "super slow" and alleged the prime minister's response had painted a "frightening picture of a government of thieves".

Idris Ahmad of the allied Parti Islam SeMalaysia said "powerful people" had been involved. "We don't want only the ikan bilis [anchovies] to be arrested while the sharks are allowed to swim freely," he said.

The General Electric J85-21A engines, each worth about M$50m ($15m, €10.5m, £9.4m), were spares for the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Northrop Grumman F-5E Tiger II fighters, which fly from the Butterworth air base near the northern border with Thailand.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, defence minister, said the engines and associated equipment were "believed to have been sent to a South American country" after being moved to Sungai Besi air base in Kuala Lumpur for maintenance.

The defence ministry would not identify the country involved nor comment on media reports the engines might have ended up in the Middle East.

The F-5 went out of production in 1989 but is still used as a trainer by US forces and is in frontline or reserve service with many foreign air forces, including that of Iran.

The ministry said several senior officers were being investigated. General Azizan Ariffin, chief of the armed forces, said the thefts might have been the "tip of the iceberg", raising the possibility that other military equipment might also have disappeared.

The disclosure of the thefts is a serious blow to Mr Najib, who has promised to crack down on corruption as part of efforts to recover support for his long-serving National Front government, which lost many of its seats in a general election last year.

The prime minister unveiled a three-year action plan last week amid concern at declining investor interest and Malaysia's fall to 56th in the 2009 Corruption Index, published by Transparency International, down from 47th in 2008.

Mr Najib has denied any personal corruption, including opposition claims of involvement in an allegedly corrupt submarine deal while he served as defence minister.

Corruption charges were brought this month against a senior port executive and two other officials linked to a development near Kuala Lumpur known as the Port Klang free trade zone.

The arrests followed a damning parliamentary report that found widespread evidence of corruption and cost overruns at the project, which has run up debts of more than $1bn.

Najib announces RPGT reversal

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced tonight a reversal of his government’s decision to reintroduce real property gains tax (RPGT) on January 1 for all transactions, amid concerns that it would hit long-standing homeowners and foreign investors.

Instead, the government has now decided the five per cent RPGT would only apply to property sold within five years of purchase.

The five per cent tax, which was announced under Budget 2010 in October, is normally imposed to curb speculation but due to its flat structure does not differentiate between homeowners who have been holding a property for 20 years or those who are flipping properties within one or two years for a profit.

The property sector was taken by surprise by the announcement and had expressed worries that it would have sent a message to potential investors that the government has not been consistent in its policymaking.

An exemption on the RPGT was given in 2007 by the then-Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi administration in order to boost the property development industry.

Its removal two plus years later with little warning could have heightened the feeling of uncertainty among investors.

But speaking at a dinner with the federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia tonight, Najib allayed fears from the business sector, many of whom are from the Chinese community.

[Najib (second left) and his hosts share a light moment during tonight’s dinner. — Picture by Jack Ooi ] He said the decision to backtrack on the implementation of the RPGT will likely cost the government RM200 million in lost revenue.

Apart from this, Najib also announced that the hospitality industry will enjoy a 60 per cent reinvestment allowance from the government, to be handed out to hotels undertaking investments for renovation and refurnishing.

He said that in line with this new policy, the government will extend the investment allowance for 15 years.

The announcements were made following requests made by the Federation of Chinese Associations for the government to help the property sector.

“I hope the Chinese community will respond to the announcements accordingly,” he said.

Najib also said that he hoped to see the Chinese reciprocate his gesture by helping him realise his “1 Malaysia” concept.

Need Consensus for UMNO take over of BN seat in Penang

PM:Need BN consensus on Penang BN chairmanship issue
By IZATUN SHARI

SHAH ALAM: Any decision on Penang Umno’s plan to take over the state Barisan Nasional chairmanship from Gerakan will be made based on Barisan’s consensus, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said as Barisan chairman, he would make sure that before any decision is made, all parties would be consulted.

“That is at a proposal stage. It’s all right but any decision will be by consensus according to Barisan’s spirit,” he told reporters after the launch of Ikatan Hati Warga Felda (Iktiraf) carnival here Sunday.

Najib was asked to comment on Penang Umno chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement that the party was seeking the state Barisan chairmanship as Umno held all the state seats won by Barisan in the last general election.

Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon had later said that Gerakan would object to any official proposal to change the status quo.

Najib hails football team’s success in Laos

COPENHAGEN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has urged the national football squad to use their success in the SEA Games as a “stepping stone” towards greater heights in future.

He said that he was very proud of their achievement and extended his congratulations to them for having won the gold medal in the final.

He, however, hoped the victory was not just a seasonal success or for a short-term only but represented a continuous path towards bigger achievements.

“I want to see improvements in the team in the context of our position compared with those of other countries,” he said.

Najib, who is here to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009, was also happy with the contingent’s overall achievement in breaking their 35-medal target with 40 so far.

“We hope their success so far will further motivate the team to do even better in future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also congratulated the Malaysian football team.

“I hope by winning the game, it will motivate our players to be consistent and excellent in the future,” he said.

Govt To Address Shortage Of Science Talent - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- To address the shortage of scientific talent in the country, the government will do whatever it takes and provide financial support for university research, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said Malaysia needed more scientists, researchers, innovators and pioneers in the science and technology sector.

"In terms of manpower, to date, Malaysia had only achieved 18 per cent of the Ninth Malaysia Plan which targets to have 60 researchers, scientists and engineers for every 10,000 people in the workforce.

"The government is willing to do whatever it takes to address the shortfall in scientific talent, besides providing appropriate institutional and financial support for research in universities," added Najib.

The prime minister said this in his message in the souvenir programme for the 16th Malaysia Toray Science Foundation (MTSF) prize presentation Tuesday.

Najib said the sacrifices and long hours of hard work put in by scientists and researchers needed to be supported and encouraged for both public and private entities.

Najib said the government wished to see Malaysians equipped with contemporary skills and the right mindset to face the challenging future of the rapidly-changing world.

To build the knowledge-based economy, greater emphasis would be given to development programmes involving technology, innovation and discovery-driven.

"Being a critical part in this endeavour, research and development will remain inconsequential, as long as they remain on bookshelves and stay uncommercialised," he noted.

The MTSF prize was established since 1993 by the Japan-based Toray Industries to contribute to the progress and advancement of science and technology in Malaysia.

This year's top science and technology awards were presented to Prof Dr Ong Seng Huat and Prof Dr Tan Nget Hong, both from Universiti Malaya, who received RM30,000 each from MTSF chairman Tan Sri Law Hieng Ding.

Dr Ong, who heads the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, said the development of a country's economy and industry depended to a great extent on the prowess of its scientific advancement and innovation.

Feted for his research on image analysis and stochastic modelling, he said the research environment had become increasingly conducive, yet more challenging due to globalisation.

"Not only has the world economic axis shifted to the Pacific region but also the scientific axis. In recent years, we see a great number of research papers from this region appearing in top scientific journals.

"This is the reflection of the keen competition among countries in the Pacific Region to advance their economy and industry, and against this backdrop, it is imperative that applied fundamental scientific research in Malaysia should be given impetus," Dr Ong said in his speech.

Dr Tan, who is from the Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, was recognised for his research on toxinology of snake venom, proteins and enzymology and medical education.

PM: Govt is liberal on Chinese schools

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has assured all 60 independent Chinese schools in the country that they can continue without any interference.

The Prime Minister said the Government had amended the Education Act 1996 to guarantee the existence of such schools in the country when he was still the deputy Education Minister.

“This shows that Umno and the Barisan Nasional government has always been liberal and all-inclusive in its policies,” he said during the 90th anniversary celebration of the Chong Hwa independent high school here last night.

Also present was MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat, leaders of other component parties in the Bari-san and Chinese community leaders.
Warm welcome: Najib waving to the crowd upon arriving at the Chong Hwa Independent High School’s 90th anniversary celebrations in Kuala Lumpur Monday.

Najib said Malaysia was a unique country because the Chinese were free to have schools of their mother tongue unlike other countries which practised policies of assimilation.

“In Malaysia, we have an understanding among the races and this is not based on assimilation but rather on integration,” he said.

Najib, who is Umno president, also encourage the Malay citizens to learn Mandarin because the language was one of the many assets of the country.

“When we learn the languages of other races, we learn more about each other. Only when we respect and honour one another can we become true Malaysians who support the 1Malaysia concept.”

He said he was also determined to ensure that each Malaysian irrespective of skin colour and creed would be given the support needed to achieve his or her potential.

“Only when there is a fair and democratic system can there be a sense of togetherness among the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ong said he hoped other non-Chinese leaders would also visit Chinese independent schools so that they could learn more about them.

“Not many non-Chinese leaders understand much about the Chinese independent schools,” he said.
By YUEN MEIKENG

Najib ignores PI Bala’s claims

By Syed Jaymal Zahiid

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak has frostily ignored P. Balasubramaniam’s claims that the prime minister’s architect brother was allegedly involved in the private investigator’s disappearance and payoff for his silence in the Altantuya murder case.

The missing private detective has made a series of sensational claims that Najib knew murdered Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu and his brother Nazim and a businessman linked to the prime minister’s wife made him retract a statutory declaration on the case.

“I will not entertain any frivolous statement,” Najib said icily before asking reporters to move on to the next question at the Umno supreme council meeting last night.

The Umno president has previously denied knowing Altantuya, who was killed in October 2006, despite claims by Bala and popularised by fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin. Najib’s close friend, political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda was acquitted of charges of plotting her murder while two elite policemen are to hang for the offence. They are appealing the sentence.

In an interview with Bala carried in Raja Petra’s Malaysia-Today.net news portal, the private investigator claimed he had met architect Nazim, who is the younger brother of Najib, last year.

Bala claimed the meeting had been arranged by carpet businessman identified as Deepak Jaikishan, whom the investigator claimed was a close associate of Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, the PM’s wife.

He also alleged that he was offered RM5 million to retract his first statutory declaration and that his family was threatened if he did not do it.

The former special branch policeman further claimed he was forced to sign a second pre-prepared statutory declaration which he claims to have never read and was paid RM750,000 after he disappeared.

So far, no one knows the whereabouts of the private investigator but he claimed he had return three times to Malaysia this year since fleeing in July 2008 after issuing contradictory statutory declarations. Police are seeking him although he claimed to have given them his statement in Bangkok before travelling to India.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has begun investigating Bala’s claims by questioning two opposition leaders yesterday.

One of them was PKR youth chief Mohd Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin who lodged a report against Nazim on Wednesday.

The Pakatan Rakyat have used the Altantuya case in some of their campaigns in the nine by-elections in Malaysia since Election 2008, winning seven in most opposition-held constituencies. The only Barisan Nasional seat they wrested effectively was the Kuala Terengganu parliamentary seat.

Opposition leaders and Raja Petra have claimed Altantuya was linked to the Scorpene submarine purchase made when Najib was the defence minister. Malaysia has since received the submarines in a deal where Abdul Razak’s consultancy received a hefty commission.