Datuk Seri Najib Razak tonight said the country’s economy will never be viable if the society remains divided, stressing that the 1 Malaysia concept is key for its future.
“I believe that the values, the vision and the commitment behind 1 Malaysia will be vital to the long-term strength of Malaysia,” the prime minister told those attending the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) dinner in KLCC here.
“Business cannot succeed and economies cannot be strong when our society is divided. We will not succeed in the new global era if we do not extend opportunity to all according to their needs and look to utilise the talents of all our people, not just some,” he added.
Najib pointed out that innovation and creativity were key to the country’s new economic development.
“We must be a nation that puts a premium on innovation and creativity. We are all well aware that businesses that succeed are those that look ahead; innovators that look beyond the short-term challenges and seek to chart new paths to growth.
“We must also be innovators of the new economic sub-sectors, whether in information technology, green technology or finance, to spark new areas of economic growth for our country,” he said.
However, the country’s sixth prime minister admitted that government support was limited and recognised the importance of the private sector.
“The government can only do so much, and I recognise that the government is not always the best driver of creativity and innovation for the nation.
“So moving forward, there must exist a strong partnership between the public and private sectors; collaborating in ways that are mutually beneficial and create opportunities, jobs and prosperity,” he said.
Najib was, nevertheless, confident that the economy would return to growth this year.
“I believe it is because of the decisions we have made — stimulus packages, economic liberalisation, investments in the right areas and budget savings — that Malaysia will return to growth in 2010 with lower budget deficit. This has come about by choice, not chance.
“We will face more such choices in the coming months and years,” he said.
Najib added that the government will also take the necessary measures to ensure business growth.
“Let me assure you that we will always support business growth, we will support families and Malaysians who need help most, and we will introduce any difficult reforms sensitively and with an eye on maintaining stability.
“As an example, whether it is subsidies or broadening the tax base, we must consider whether we would want to put off these choices to another time or for our future generation. We must act now, decisively and strongly, to prepare Malaysia for success,” he said.
news courtesy of Malaysian Insider
No comments:
Post a Comment